When it comes to spotting raw talent, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Justin Marks of Trackhouse Racing are as sharp as they come. Their latest discovery? An 18-year-old sensation named Connor Zilisch. This young driver isn’t just breaking records—he’s smashing expectations of what’s possible at his age. From dominating go-karts to shining in endurance races and delivering a stunning NASCAR Xfinity debut, Zilisch is quickly becoming the name on everyone’s lips in racing circles.

So, what makes him so special?

Who is Connor Zilisch?

Born in Weddington, North Carolina, Connor Zilisch practically grew up at the track. By the time he was five, he was already turning heads in the karting world, showcasing a maturity and skill far beyond his years. His parents, Jim and Kristin, played a huge role, balancing family life with the endless travel that comes with competitive youth motorsport.

But it wasn’t just family support that fueled Connor’s rise. His coach and mechanic, Gary Willis, was instrumental in shaping him into a karting prodigy. Over eight years, Willis guided Zilisch through an impressive career that included representing the U.S. in the prestigious FIA Academy Trophy. In 2016, at just 11, Connor made history as the first American to win the Academy Trophy, cementing his status as one of the brightest talents in karting.

“Gary will always be his coach,” Connor’s father, Jim, shared in a heartfelt message as the karting chapter closed. “They will remain connected by an unbreakable bond borne from going to battle on the track so many times over so many years.” From karting, Connor transitioned to sports cars, swapping his brother’s hand-me-down Miata for a shot at competing in the SCCA. The decision was driven by practicality—open-wheel racing wasn’t financially feasible—but it turned out to be a game-changing move.

From winning the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona to JR Motorsports signee: Connor Zilisch’s racing exploits

Connor’s path through motorsport has been nothing short of remarkable. After cutting his teeth in the SCCA, he earned a Mazda scholarship to race in the MX-5 Cup. At just 15, he became the youngest driver in the 2022 season. Racing against seasoned veterans, Zilisch made an immediate impact, earning Rookie of the Year honors and coming heartbreakingly close to clinching the championship in a dramatic finale.

“The MX-5 Cup is like a trampoline,” Connor said. “It catapults you to the next level, and I learned so much from the diverse field of competitors.”

From there, his career skyrocketed. In 2024, Connor stacked up an impressive list of achievements: five ARCA Menards Series wins, a CARS Tour victory, and a Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona win in the LMP2 class—a moment so overwhelming it brought him to tears. “That’s the only race I’ve ever cried because of the result,” he admitted. “It was such a surreal moment.”

He also made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in 2024, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports at Watkins Glen. The teenager stunned everyone, winning from pole position and becoming just the seventh driver in NASCAR history to achieve this feat in their first Xfinity race. “Words can’t describe the feeling,” Zilisch said in Victory Lane. “I’ve put in a lot of work for this moment, and it feels good that it paid off.”

Is Connor Zilisch’s Cup Series promotion a distant dream?

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With performances like these, it’s no wonder there’s already talk about Zilisch moving up to the NASCAR Cup Series. If his current trajectory is any indication, it’s not a matter of “if” but “when.”

Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks has been particularly vocal about Connor’s potential, praising his ability to adapt and learn quickly. “His rate of adaptability is what stands out,” Marks said. “He absorbs everything—the car, the competition—and can push the button quickly.”

While JR Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing are carefully managing his development, there’s no denying Connor’s stock is rising. If he keeps performing like this, he’ll soon be on the radar of every top team in the sport. For now, though, his multi-year agreement with Trackhouse ensures he’s in good hands as he continues to grow.

What does the 2025 NASCAR season hold for Connor Zilisch?

Looking ahead to 2025, Zilisch is gearing up for his first full season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports. Behind the iconic No. 88 Chevrolet wheel, he’ll aim to build on the momentum from his jaw-dropping debut. “Connor is such an impressive driver at this young age,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. said. “We’re excited for him to get behind the wheel full time next season. He is on a path to sure success.”

But that’s not all. Connor will also return to endurance racing, piloting Trackhouse’s No. 91 GTD Pro Corvette at the Rolex 24. Despite never having driven a GT car before, Zilisch is optimistic, crediting simulator training and the support of his teammates. “I’ve got some learning to do, but we’ve got a great team around us,” he said. “It’s gonna be really cool.”

With a packed schedule that includes Xfinity, endurance racing, and potentially more ARCA and Trans Am starts, 2025 will be a pivotal year for Zilisch. If his past is any indication, it’ll be a year filled with wins, milestones, and maybe even a few records.

Connor Zilisch isn’t just a rising star—he’s a budding force to be reckoned with. At 18, he’s already accomplished more than many drivers do in a lifetime. Whether it’s the patience from endurance racing or the adaptability honed in karting, every step of his journey has prepared him for the bright future ahead. And as he heads into 2025, one thing is certain: Connor Zilisch is just getting started.