Get ready to witness the rise of a new NASCAR sensation! Connor Zilisch just made his mark in a major way, capturing his first-ever Xfinity race victory behind the wheel of the legendary #88 car. It wasn’t just another win—it was a statement. Zilisch’s performance left jaws dropping across the track, with drivers from all corners of the national series standing in awe of his raw talent. NASCAR insiders are already buzzing, labeling him ‘the next superstar’ in motorsport, and it’s not hard to see why. Every time this 18-year-old phenom steps into a car, he delivers spectacularly.

Even the seasoned pros can’t help but take notice. After Zilisch’s incredible win at Watkins Glen, Shane van Gisbergen, the Red Bull ace himself, couldn’t stop singing the young gun’s praises. “It’s awesome to see the effort that he puts in, and how good he is at his age is pretty impressive,” van Gisbergen said, clearly blown away. But that wasn’t all—he went on to suggest that Zilisch might be more than ready for a step up to the Cup Series.

At just 18, Connor Zilisch is turning heads and silencing doubters. His future in NASCAR is looking brighter by the day, and if his first Xfinity win is anything to go by, the sport might just have found its next big star.

What did SVG say about Zilisch’s Cup prospects?

While Connor Zilisch has barely even been in the Xfinity Series, he has already intimidated the field. The full-time Xfinity driver, SVG, was especially in awe of Zilisch after competing against him. “It’s been amazing to watch him.”, said van Gisbergen. The pole qualifying driver at The Glen confirmed, “I worked so hard for this race; I’ve been preparing for it for over three months. Outside of the [Rolex] 24, this was probably the biggest race of the year for me.” Earlier in the year, Zilisch won at the Rolex 24 in his first attempt.

All his efforts paid off, and Zilisch got the win he had hoped for at Watkins Glen International. SiriusXM reporter, Lee Spencer, posted on X, “In Victory Lane, ⁦@shanevg97 suggested to ⁦@ConnorZilisch he get in a Cup car tomorrow and go for the @WGI sweep #NASCAR“. The confidence that SVG has in Zilisch to be able to win at The Glen in the Cup Series Playoffs says all about how iconic that Xfinity race must have been.

SVG also has an added affection towards Zilisch because he recently officiated the young driver as a Red Bull athlete. It is a praiseworthy feat for Zilisch as Red Bull makes its reentry into NASCAR with the budding driver. Even Zilisch is elated as being signed by Red Bull was his childhood dream.

Despite all the success that Zilisch has garnered, he still chooses to stay humbled. “It’s cool to have people tell me that but the biggest thing is, I have to stay true to myself and understand that I’m not at the highest level yet and I’m not winning at the highest level yet,” said Zilisch. Amid SVG’s strong conviction and his Kaulig teammate, AJ Allmendinger’s, ‘superstar’ tag, Zilisch asserts, “I’m not going to label myself a superstar.”

There is no rush for the Cup for Zilisch

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The next year is going to be huge for SVG as well as Connor Zilisch. With SVG stepping into the Cup Series as a full-time driver, he will be fielded in Trackhouse Racing’s #88 car. On the other hand, Zilisch will be driving the #88 car full-time for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series.

Both drivers have stayed ahead of the curve to get their debut wins in the series they were only scouting. SVG won at the Chicago Street Course in 2023, while Zilisch got his inaugural Xfinity win. The expectations are skyrocketing for these drivers and the real task now will be to live up to the hype. As SVG mentioned after his 5th finish at The Glen yesterday he wants to be competent in the Cup race this weekend given his road course expertise. His best result this season is a single top-20 finish in the series.

So, it will be best if Zilisch learns from other’s errors as well as his own. Rushing into the top series has been detrimental for many good drivers. His chance to get the championship title for the JRM #88 in his rookie year should be his focus for now. The progression to the top series should happen naturally.