They say experience is the best teacher, but at just 18, Connor Zilisch can hardly be considered a veteran within the racing community. However, he will be applying everything, but an impressive career so far during his Xfinity Series debut for JR Motorsports at Watkins Glen International. The North Carolina native recently secured his fifth win of the 2024 ARCA Menards Series season at the track, which will go a long way in building up his confidence ahead of the 2024 Mission 200 at The Glen.

Not too long ago, Zilisch was forced to overcome several issues to secure a top-five finish on his Truck Series debut at Circuit of the Americas. The lessons from that experience will be fresh on Zilisch’s mind, and he will be eager to avoid a repeat of that race, even though it is his only top-five result in his Truck Series career so far.

Zilisch will be raring to get behind the wheel of his No. 88 Chevy at Watkins Glen International. Considered nothing short of a generational talent, the Trackhouse Racing development driver will be participating in three other Xfinity Series races this season, at Kansas and Homestead-Miami Speedway, as well as the season finale at Phoenix Raceway later this year. This will give the youngster some valuable experience and smooth his transition to a full-time Xfinity Series seat, which he will be occupying in 2025.

Speaking in a press conference at ‘The Glen’, Zilisch was asked if the first lap from his Truck Series debut will be playing on his mind during his Xfinity Series debut race.

The youngster candidly replied, “100%. These races are way longer than you think they are and I didn’t really realize that at COTA till you know, after the first lap. So definitely, going to take it easy and you know, just get through the first two stages, and hopefully by the end of the race I’ll be there up front in contention without four flat spotted tires and nose that’s torn off it and whatever was at COTA. I’m going to try not to do that.”

Driving the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado, Connor Zilisch’s Truck Series debut at COTA was a chaotic one. On the opening lap, his tires locked up, sending him straight into Turn 1. A broken track bar and flat tire forced an early pit stop, and despite climbing the grid four times, he was spun or penalized for shortcutting the course each time. Thankfully, timely cautions helped him salvage a fourth-place finish.

Now, as Zilisch heads into the Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen, he’s learned to play the long game. With plenty of experience at ‘The Glen,’ the 18-year-old knows he doesn’t need to take big risks. Confident but cautious, Zilisch is aiming for the checkered flag, ready to prove he’s a real contender.

Zilisch lands a new sponsorship

Connor Zilisch is one of the hottest prospects in the NASCAR world, so it should come as no surprise that the youngster has landed a new sponsor ahead of his Xfinity Series debut. Zilisch is now considered to be an official Red Bull athlete, joining fellow Trackhouse Racing driver Shane van Gisbergen under the energy drink brand’s umbrella. Red Bull sponsoring two of the brightest talents in the sport has reignited discussions about whether the brand could return as NASCAR’s primary sponsor soon.

Sharing his excitement at joining the energy drink’s ecosystem, Connor Zilisch wrote on social media, “So stoked to be joining the Red Bull family as a Red Bull athlete! This has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid and I couldn’t be more pumped. Let’s go!!!”

The sponsorship is a big deal, not just for Trackhouse Racing, but for NASCAR as a whole. It’s no secret that the brand tried to enter the sport as Red Bull Racing in the past, but when the initiative didn’t work, the company pulled out of NASCAR.

However, with Shane van Gisbergen set to switch to the Cup Series in 2025, and Zilisch finding a full-time Xfinity Series seat, it could give Red Bull the chance to reenter NASCAR once again. Zilisch will be sporting the energy drink’s logo on his helmet at Watkins Glen, and it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that his No. 88 Chevy will feature the brand’s paint scheme in the future.

Expectations are high from Connor Zilisch as he begins a new chapter in his career, it remains to be seen if the youngster will fulfill his immense potential and become a force to be reckoned with.