When Connor Zilisch won the Watkins Glen Xfinity race in his first start, fans knew he was something special. After all, he became part of an exclusive club with members like Dale Earnhardt, Ricky Rudd, and Terry Labonte, all of whom won their debut in the same series. Having to ride out a double overtime against some of the best drivers in the league is no easy feat, that too on his debut. Now, with the Red Bull-backed driver making his Cup Series debut at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Zilisch has doubts about finding the same amount of success.
Gragson has been down this road before. Once an Xfinity standout with 13 wins and two Championship 4 appearances, he was considered one of NASCAR’s most aggressive and exciting young drivers. The speed and dominance he displayed in Xfinity might not translate easily to the highest level.
So when asked about his upcoming debut, Zilisch didn’t hesitate to share a brutally honest reality check: “My friends always tell me, ‘You’re in for a rude awakening when you go Cup racing.’ Noah (Gragson) won eight or nine Xfinity races in a season, then went to Cup and struggles to run inside the top 10. What he tells me definitely gets me prepared, as well as Zane (Smith) and Todd (Gilliland).” It wasn’t meant as a discouragement, but as advice from his Cup Series who has lived through the struggle. Thus Zilisch is embracing the challenge ahead, understanding that success in NASCAR is built on preparation and learning from those with experience. As he gears up for his Cup Series debut at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), he has been actively seeking advice from seasoned veterans to sharpen his racecraft.
“Justin Allgaier, he’s a good example,” Zilisch said. “Even the last two races, I have gone to him and said, ‘Hey, you think what I did was, you know, wrong?’” Allgaier, known for his consistency and leadership in the Xfinity Series, has been a valuable mentor. By reviewing past races with him, Zilisch ensures that he not only learns from mistakes but also refines his decision-making on track.
Another key influence has been Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen, who made an immediate impact by winning his Cup Series debut on the Chicago Street Course in 2023. Despite their recent acquaintance, Zilisch has developed a strong connection with the three-time Supercars champion. At the same time, struggles aren’t exclusive to rookies. Even some of NASCAR’s biggest teams have faced unexpected setbacks this season. Roger Penske’s team has also been falling off at superspeedways, leaving many wondering what’s behind their recent struggles.
Zilisch, however, isn’t walking in blindly. While he hopes to be competitive, he’s well aware that the Cup Series is a different animal. “I definitely want to be competitive and run inside the top 10,” he said. “But wearing out the field is a whole different thing in the Cup Series.” Unlike Xfinity, where there’s more separation between front-runners and mid-pack drivers, the Cup Series features a grid stacked with elite talent. Every mistake is magnified, and every race is a grueling test of skill, patience, and adaptability.
“I didn’t know him six months ago, well, six to 12 months ago,” Zilisch admitted. “I didn’t even know who he was, and I feel like now we’re pretty good friends. … It’s cool to have those guys that, you know, give me and show me respect.” Van Gisbergen’s rapid adaptation to NASCAR has provided Zilisch with a blueprint for success, demonstrating the importance of versatility and precision in stock car racing.
Connor Zilisch reveals real ambitions behind Cup Series debut
Sure, running in NASCAR’s premier division is the ambition of most racers in America. And that’s true for Zilisch true, except he also has an ulterior motive. You see, Zilisch is chasing a dream with his debut: to steal the title of youngest Cup Series race winner from Joey Logano. Who can forget the iconic 2009 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at the New Hampshire Speedway? A young Joey Logano, just 35 days after his 19th birthday, took the win after a rain-shortened race.
Speaking about his ambitions, Zilisch said, “I want to try and become the youngest Cup Series winner, and to do that, I have to race as soon as possible and get it in before I turn 19 [years old]. I wanted to at least give myself a shot at that. So that was definitely part of my thinking. And honestly, I don’t feel like there’s anything that tells me that I’m not ready to race on a road course on Sunday.”
While Zilisch’s confidence is admirable, looking at his Xfinity form, it won’t be easy. He has two DNFs in the last two races, with the Atlanta crash happening with his teammate Justin Allgaier. Yet, there’s much to hope for. He will back to his road course stronghold to prove himself.
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