Who Is Connor Zilisch – the Teenage Phenom Taking the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona by Storm

The younger generation of NASCAR drivers resemble diamonds in the rough. With the gradual increase in skill level, young drivers have matured. Grassroots competitions like the ARCA Menards and Truck Series continue to churn talent. One of the several talented drivers to have come to the fore recently is 17-year-old Connor Zilisch.

Earlier this month, the NASCAR Cup Series team Trackhouse Racing announced that it will recruit Connor Zilisch and aid his development through its program in 2024 and 2025. As a result of the program, Zilisch will race in multiple reputed competitions like the Truck, Xfinity, and ARCA Menards series. The first one on his schedule was the recently concluded and coveted Rolex 24 at the Daytona International Speedway.

Connor Zilisch’s initial days as a race car driver

Racing for the Era Motorsport LMP2 team, Zilisch grabbed the win to stamp his mark on the competition. But the foundation for his racing career was set in stone a long time ago.

Connor Zilsch’s interest in racing began at the age of five. Zilisch spent a decade of his life competing in racing karts. In 2017, Zilisch ventured to the Mini Rok World Championship in South Garda, Italy, to showcase his versatility. En route to the victory, the youngster beat 160 drivers from different countries. On his return to the European racing circuit, Zilisch made it to the “A” Finals of the OKJ World Championship for two years, from 2019 to 20.

His first transition to racing in cars came in 2021. Starting from the Sports Car Club of America, Zilisch created some track records along with multiple podium finishes. In 2021 he finished P3 in a 90-car field, which earned him the Rookie of the Year award. Later that year, Connor Zilisch made his Trans Am TA2 debut and broke the rookie driver’s track record and this drew Silver Hare Racing’s attention toward him.

In the same year, Connor Zilisch also ran in the Mazda MX-5 Cup Series and won four races in the season. Zilisch took his title challenge to another level, being edged by the eventual champion Jared Thomas on the last race day at Road Atlanta. However, the next two years of his career triggered a significant rise in competition and popularity. Teams began to notice his talent behind the steering wheel and a move to the CARS Tour materialized.

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A move to Pro Late Models helped Zilsch rise through the ranks

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Setzer Racing and Development decided to avail Connor Zilisch’s skills in 2022. Providing him with the No.4 Chevy car, the team gave Zilisch a platform in the Carolina Pro Late Model Series. The 17-year-old won the pole and dominated the race, leading all the laps to win his first Asphalt Late Model race. With Late Model cars opening a pathway for drivers to graduate to NASCAR, Zilisch ran the No.57 LMSC for Carroll Speedshop later in the year.

These performances made Carroll Speedshop bring him back for another year. Zilisch raced in the CARS Tour LMSC Tour part-time for the 2023 season. At the Throwback 276, Connor Zilisch drove the #98 Dogecoin car, which received rave reviews from the racing community.

Moving back to his Pro Late Model adventures, Zilisch won in the No.25 Rackley WAR car at the Ace Speedway. That race was his second start of the season, where he held off eventual championship winner Caden Kvapil to take the win. His impressive repertoire has attracted big names to him.

Justin Marks understood that developing a driver of this caliber would need more disposal. He said in an official release by the Trackhouse team, “I have watched Connor grow from a youngster racing go-karts at the Trackhouse Motorplex to an up-close seat as he beat all of us in the Trans-Am race at VIR a few months ago.”

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With Trackhouse Racing’s exposure and equipment, Connor Zilisch has a bright future ahead of him. His recent performances at the 24 Hours of Daytona have surprised the world. Moreover, from the looks of it, there is more to come.