Dale Earnhardt Jr Set to Rope In Trackhouse and NASCAR’s Next Big Thing With Cup Series in Sight

Think of versatile drivers in motorsport. Is Kyle Larson one of them? There’s almost a 100% chance he is because “you know guys like Kyle Larson? [They] race sprint cars during the week and then go win on Sundays.” Well, it looks like there’s a new kid on the block: 17-year-old Connor Zilisch, who wants to be the Kyle Larson kind of guy. “I want to be able to get in any car and be competitive,” he said. After proving just how versatile he is, too, Zilisch could be one step closer to the Cup Series, courtesy of Dale Earnhardt Jr.

That one step closer includes potentially joining JR Motorsports for a full-time ride in 2025. Connor Zilisch is currently signed to Justin Marks’ Trackhosue Racing, but a deal could be struck between them and JRM to offer Zilisch that opportunity. It also looks like Justin Marks is very open to the idea of bringing Zilisch to the Cup level, and a full season of competitive racing in the Xfinity will prepare for the top level.

Dale Jr and Marks are setting up a roadmap for Zilisch to embark on his NASCAR journey

Zilisch certainly has caught Dale Jr’s attention with his racing stints this year. It’s not just his promise in the stock car but his ability to compete in different racing disciplines. In his first Craftsman Truck Series start, Zilisch took command of the No. 7 Spire Motorsports truck, grabbed the pole, and finished 4th. With wins in the ARCA Series, CARS Tour Late Model Stock class, the 24 hours of Daytona sports car race, and the 12 hours of Sebring, Zilisch has proven why he’s the next big thing. And courtesy of his performance, he’ll make his Xfinity Series debut with JRM at Watkins Glen.

Considering he isn’t 18 yet, Dale Jr and Kelley Earnhardt had to wait until at least July 22 to give him an opportunity in the Xfinity Series. “We couldn’t be happier to welcome Connor into the JR Motorsports family and to give him an opportunity behind the wheel of our No.88 Chevrolet,” Kelley said in a statement. With three more appearances scheduled at Kansas Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, and Phoenix Raceway, Conor Zilisch said, “I have a lot to learn considering that I’ve never raced on any big tracks previously, but there’s no better team to learn with than JRM.” 

Now, it seems he could be well on his way to running an entire season with JRM next year. Per Sports Business Journal, “Trackhouse and JR Motorsports are in talks to elevate him to the Xfinity Series full-time in 2025.” They’re also finalizing the details on sponsorships. Needless to say, this move would groom Connor Zilisch for a potential Cup Series ride that Trackhouse Racing has been planning for a long time.

Imagine the career trajectory Zilisch has had. From wanting to become a Formula 1 driver and admitting that he “wasn’t the biggest NASCAR fan growing up,” to a chance encounter with Kevin Harvick that led him down the NASCAR path. And he’s only 17. When Harvick saw Connor at a karting event a few years ago and approached his father, the 2014 Cup champion revealed, “He said, ‘We’re going to go run some spec Miatas, and I’m gonna make [Connor] go to school.’” But Harvick knew he saw a spark in the youngster and helped him get to where he is now.

The best part is that Trackhouse Racing isn’t the only team interested in getting Connor Zilisch to the Cup Series. In an appearance on Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, RFK Racing owner Brad Keselowski said, “I think right now, the best young talent that I see, at least, that could drive a Cup car, is probably Connor Zilisch. If you told me, ‘Brad, go put a young driver in, make him a star, and here’s all the money to do it,’ he’s the guy.”

Before he gets to the Cup Series, Trackhouse Racing and JRM will need to finalize his future in the Xfinity Series. And with all this talk around him getting a full-time seat in Dale Jr’s team, a big question pops up: who among the current driver lineup at JRM could make way for Connor Zilisch?

Sammy Smith or Brandon Jones could take the exit door

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NASCAR only allows a team to field a maximum of four cars every season. So, now that Zilisch is rumored to move into the team, one of the four current drivers would be mandated to empty a seat. Justin Allgaier certainly won’t be snubbed from his seat, considering he has been with the team since 2016. Moreover, he is a consistent performer, always in the mix of drivers contending for the championship, so the best bet is that he stays.

Sam Mayer is another one who is likely to retain his seat in the #1 JRM Chevy car. Last season was a breakthrough campaign for him, coming just short of the championship and finishing 3rd. Meanwhile, in 2024, he’s already picked up 2 wins, so it wouldn’t make sense to boot Mayer, either.

So, most probably, the toss could be between Sammy Smith and Brandon Jones. The two drivers have recently joined the team and are yet to make their mark. Jones, in particular, has been having a torrid time this season with a streak of DNF finishes. Smith has been consistent throughout the season and has been close to winning races. Now, a lot can happen until the end of the season, but given that JRM is already making the move on Zilisch, they might have an idea of who he will be replacing.