Connor Zilisch is dominating the NASCAR Xfinity Series with a performance drawing comparisons to Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen. After recovering from a broken collarbone sustained at Watkins Glen three weeks ago, Zilisch returned to win decisively at Portland, showcasing his impressive skill and control.
Zilisch’s Commanding Victory at Portland Highlights Remarkable Talent
During the Portland race, Zilisch maintained control for the first 67 laps in a standalone road course event, never relinquishing the lead due to no pit-road cycling. He secured the first stage with a 14-second advantage and followed up with an eight-second lead in the second stage, creating a notably one-sided race.
The extent of his dominance even made Zilisch admit to feeling nearly bored while driving. He said,
“Yeah, it’s tough, you know, when you’re leading by that much and just kind of out front by yourself,”
adding,
“It’s certainly a little bit … it gets boring, you know. It’s hard to believe, but you know, it does get boring when you’re just making laps and they keep telling you to slow down, slow down, slow down,”
and concluding,
“And as a race car driver, you don’t wanna slow down.”
Although Zilisch lost the lead with 12 laps remaining, he demonstrated remarkable composure and experience, managing to outpace challengers and secure the overall win as a 19-year-old.
Experts Question Why Zilisch Isn’t Pursuing Formula 1 Opportunities
The impressive nature of Zilisch’s performance prompted NASCAR journalist Matt Weaver to publicly question why the American driver has not yet been incorporated into any Formula 1 development programs. Weaver stated on social media,
“I frequently ponder why he isn’t on a Formula 1 development deal somewhere. We all know the reason$ but if there was ever an American that was built for it …”
Weaver’s reflection came following a user comment comparing Zilisch to 2023’s F1 champion Max Verstappen. The suggestion that Zilisch exhibits Verstappen-level talent has fueled debate about his future in racing, particularly regarding crossover potential between NASCAR and Formula 1.
Parallels to Verstappen Reinforced by Trackhouse Racing Leadership
Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks also highlighted similarities between Zilisch’s driving style and that of Max Verstappen. Marks remarked,
“All of those things together he’s demonstrated in a way that I’ve not ever seen a teenager be able to do before,”
emphasizing the rare level of skill for such a young driver. He added,
“When you recognize that you’ve got that in a package, you have to run with it. We’ve seen it.”
Marks continued to compare Zilisch with other young drivers who have entered top-tier racing, stating,
“I mean, Max Verstappen, and there’s been other drivers that have gotten sort of thrown into the top level at a young age, and all of those guys kind of demonstrate the same thing.”
Zilisch’s Rising Career and Future Prospects in NASCAR
Currently leading the Xfinity Series standings with 924 points—20 points ahead of second-place Justin Allgaier—Zilisch’s achievements this season have paved the way for his upcoming full-time Cup Series drive with Trackhouse Racing in 2026. His standout performances in the Jr Motorsports Xfinity stint have significantly bolstered his reputation as one of the most promising young drivers in American motorsports.
The discussion sparked by Zilisch’s win goes beyond NASCAR, as fans and professionals debate his potential crossover into Formula 1, given his “Max Verstappen-like” driving ability. Zilisch’s progress will be closely watched as he moves into the Cup Series, with many wondering whether a future in F1 could also be in the cards for this talented teenager.
