Connor Zilisch, already a rising star in NASCAR with nine wins in his debut Xfinity season, is set to join the Cup Series next year and is widely expected to succeed. NASCAR icon Kevin Harvick believes Zilisch’s abilities extend beyond stock car racing, seeing in him the rare potential to excel in Formula 1.
Kevin Harvick’s Perspective on Zilisch’s Unique Racing Background
Unlike many NASCAR drivers who build their careers starting in midget or late model racing, Connor Zilisch began in karting, a path commonly leading competitors toward open-wheel racing. As a youth, Zilisch competed in karting tournaments across Europe with hopes of reaching Formula 1. When those plans did not materialize, he returned to the United States where he competed in Trans-Am races, Late Models, and the ARCA series before entering NASCAR last season.
Harvick, a seasoned veteran, still views Zilisch as the rare American driver with a genuine chance to succeed in F1. On the podcast Happy Hour, Harvick explained,
I still am firm in believing that Connor Zilisch had the highest possibility of being a true contender in F1 as an American…Luckily, we steered him towards NASCAR and not the open-wheel route because he was one of the very few that could go over there on talent and make it on the F1 side without just a bucket of money.
Early Connections and Support from Kevin Harvick
Harvick’s belief partly stems from a long-standing relationship with Zilisch, tracing back to their karting days when Zilisch used to race alongside Harvick’s son, Keelan. Harvick’s intervention at a critical juncture reportedly played a role in keeping Zilisch’s racing career on track. When Zilisch considered pursuing college instead of racing, Harvick urged his father to reconsider:
I’m like, ‘Man, you gotta figure it out. You can’t send this kid to college, you at least gotta give him a shot.’
Despite this support, Harvick cautions that moving from NASCAR to Formula 1 becomes more challenging with time. He added,
Once you get out of that system and try to go back seven or eight years later, I think it would be really difficult to follow the details of what you need to be doing in a car,
highlighting the technical demands and learning curve in open-wheel racing.
Challenges and Requirements for Transitioning to Formula 1
To race in Formula 1, drivers must hold a Super License, which requires earning points through participation in designated open-wheel series such as Formula 3 or Formula 2. This means Zilisch’s potential shift to F1 would involve a full career change rather than a single race or brief stint.
Zilisch’s Own Ambitions Regarding Formula 1
Connor Zilisch has not dismissed the possibility of returning to open-wheel racing, revealing earlier this year,
Growing up it was my dream, I wanted to race F1. I went to Europe when I was a kid racing go-karts, it’s what I wanted to do. It’s just when I was younger, I didn’t really have the chance. Now with an American team [Cadillac] being brought to F1, having connections with Red Bull and being kinda tied in there, I’d say the chances aren’t zero.
Nevertheless, Zilisch is focused on solidifying his presence in NASCAR’s Cup Series first before considering a move to Formula 1. This will allow him to prove himself at the highest stock car level while leaving the door open for opportunities in open-wheel racing in the future.
As Connor Zilisch progresses through the ranks, his rare blend of talent and versatility positions him as a notable figure whose career could influence the longstanding divide between American stock car racing and international open-wheel competition. His journey will be one to watch closely moving forward.
