Rising NASCAR star Connor Zilisch will take the next step in his racing career next season, officially joining Trackhouse Racing as a full-time Cup Series driver in 2026. Team owner Justin Marks announced Saturday that the 19-year-old standout has signed a multiyear deal to pilot a yet-to-be-numbered Chevrolet, replacing Daniel Suárez. He will line up alongside Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen in the organization’s three-car stable.
Zilisch, who has already scored seven victories this season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series while driving for JR Motorsports, called the promotion a dream come true. “This day has been a dream of mine for a long time,” Zilisch said. “Cup racing has been the goal since joining with Chevrolet and Trackhouse, and while I didn’t know it would come this soon, I feel like I’m ready. I won’t make any predictions for success next year, but I promise to give 100 percent effort, learn all I can, and have a little fun along the way.”
The Mooresville, North Carolina, native has built an impressive résumé in a short span of time. After competing in European karting as a child and turning professional in 2021, Zilisch quickly established himself as one of the most versatile young drivers in motorsports. He owns wins in premier endurance events such as the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, in addition to five ARCA victories, a CARS Tour late model triumph, and two Truck Series poles. His dominance in the Xfinity Series has only added to his reputation, with eight wins and 12 straight top-five finishes this year.
Zilisch’s grit was on full display at Daytona International Speedway earlier this month. Just weeks after suffering a broken collarbone in a bizarre Victory Lane accident at Watkins Glen, he returned to start the Xfinity race before turning the car over to Parker Kligerman, who closed out the win. Zilisch, still recovering from surgery, sprinted across the infield grass to celebrate at the finish line.
Marks praised the teenager’s rapid development and poise. “Connor is a rare talent that comes along every few decades,” Marks said. “I have watched Connor grow from a kid racing go-karts at the Trackhouse Motorplex to beating us in Trans Am, and now making history with JR Motorsports. He’s mature, composed, and absolutely ready for Cup racing.”
Trackhouse Racing, which entered NASCAR in 2021 as a single-car operation, has steadily grown into one of the sport’s most dynamic organizations. With 13 victories and a growing driver lineup, the team sees Zilisch as a cornerstone for its future. Sponsorship, crew chief, and car number details for Zilisch’s Cup debut will be announced in the coming weeks.
