For years, Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have played pivotal roles in shaping NASCAR’s next generation of stars. From Jeff Gordon to Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports has a history of grooming prodigies. Dale Jr.’s influence through JR Motorsports brought names like William Byron into the spotlight too. Being affiliated with HMS since 2008, JRM has a new rivalry brewing—not on the track, but in the race to crown NASCAR’s next superstar.

Connor Zilisch, an 18-year-old sensation mentored by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his team, is turning heads with his raw talent. However, some believe that his actual hand-picked talent of 2016, William Byron, is already solidifying his place as the next generational star. As Zilisch fights to rise through the ranks, could Byron’s dominance overshadow him? Or will the Junior-backed, fan-favored youngster prove he’s got what it takes? But, trust us, both parties will be benefited in the process. But, let’s break down why Zilisch’s path to superstardom might not be as clear-cut as some think.

Is Connor Zilisch really NASCAR’s next big superstar?

At just 18 years old, Connor Zilisch is being touted as NASCAR’s next great star. But does he have what it takes to live up to the hype? Industry insiders believe so, with analyst Holly Cain boldly predicting, “I think he is going to be our next great star in the sport.” Zilisch has shown promise across multiple racing disciplines, but his road to the top won’t be without challenges.

Zilisch has already made waves in road course racing and endurance events, earning praise for his impressive performance in the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona, a race that he won in his first attempt. He has also showcased raw talent in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, proving his adaptability across different formats. Connor Zilisch won his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series start in September at Watkins Glen. At that time, he was less than 18 years old. Shane Connuck noted, “He’s impressed in the 24 Hours at Daytona. He’s impressed in NASCAR Cars. He’s impressed in the Xfinity race on Saturday.”

However, William Byron, a product of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s pipeline, has already established himself as a Cup Series contender. Byron secured six wins in 2023, led more laps than any other driver, and finished third in the championship standings. His 2025 season began with a win at the Daytona 500. He was running in an impressive third place in the final laps at Atlanta when he got involved in a wreck that hampered his winning chances. Then, at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, Byron managed to finish second. His rapid rise raises the question. Can Zilisch carve out his own legacy, or will he be outshined by Hendrick’s current golden boy?

Connor Zilisch certainly has the personality to match his skills. “He’s been all over social media. He has the superstar mindset clearly already,” Connuck pointed out. NASCAR has seen how driver marketability plays a crucial role in stardom, with Byron now a key figure in Hendrick Motorsports’ long-term plans. Zilisch’s rising popularity could help him secure top-tier opportunities if he continues to deliver results on track.

As the battle for NASCAR’s next big star heats up, Zilisch must prove he’s not just hype but a genuine contender for future Cup Series success. With Trackhouse Racing and JR Motorsports’ support, he has a clear path forward. But with Byron already dominating the conversation, will Connor Zilisch rise to the occasion? The answer is YES, provided that he has found himself a ‘Rowdy’ new mentor. Well, no matter what, Hendrick Motorsports is not taking a hit anyways!

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No matter the winner, why is the situation win-win for HMS?

Let’s rewind back to 2008. Hendrick Motorsport moved its Chevy #5 team to JR Motorsports. With it went 8 drivers including Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr., and grabbed 4 primary sponsors the very first year! ‘A blowing venture’, Rick Hendrick thought to himself and viola! He gathered an ownership stake at JRM. But, it’s just a new team. Why does this old veteran not provide these resources to his own team rather than another team? We have two answers, Love and NASCAR Rules.

Rick Hendrick was a close friend to Dale Earnhardt Sr. They were best buds, managing their teams and planning a future. Their happy picture of an unbreakable family bond had four people, Rick, his son Ricky, the Intimidator, and his son, Dale Jr. But, God’s plan faded their plans. While Dale Sr. lost his life to the last-lap crash in 2001, Ricky Hendrick lost his life to a plane crash in 2004. With two disheartened friends seeking comfort in each other, Junior and Rick became great friends. Safe to say that the first person Mr. H could bestow his trust upon was the Pied Piper.

This love was reflected when he took an ownership stake at JR Motorsports, supporting the dream of an old friend, building it with a younger one. And then, there were the NASCAR rules. No team could have more than 4 cars, and we all know HMS, don’t we? This helped send the other cars to JR Motorsports to ensure smooth transitioning of technical and financial aids.

In 2020, with Kyle Larson joining HMS, the Number 5 team was back in the Cup series! But, Mr. H kept the ownership stake. He knows that Junior will do a fabulous job. And, now we know folks, no matter who the champion is in the future, Connor Zilisch or William Byron, the victory will be a combined reward for Dale Jr. and Rick Hendrick. However, there are other racers in the picture who can rob them of the victory!

The future of NASCAR is in the hands of a new generation, and they’re making their presence felt. Talented young drivers like Connor Zilisch, William Byron, Sammy Smith, and Carson Hocevar are proving that the sport is evolving faster than ever. With aggressive driving styles, adaptability across different racing series, and social media-savvy personalities, these young guns are changing NASCAR’s landscape.

It will be a treat to see all of them at their prime, 5 years down the line, battling it out on the tracks! Daytona, for a fact, is going to boom in viewership. The possibilities are endless, and this is something to wait for.