Trackhouse Racing’s Connor Zilisch Set for Additional Cup Series Starts
Trackhouse Racing has announced that 18-year-old prospect Connor Zilisch will make two additional starts in the NASCAR Cup Series during the summer months. Zilisch’s third career start is scheduled for June 28 at EchoPark Speedway, formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway. He will then compete at Watkins Glen International on August 10, a venue where he celebrated victory in his Xfinity Series debut earlier this year.
Zilisch will pilot the No. 87 Chevrolet, supported by sponsorship from Red Bull. "It’s awesome to have the opportunity to race two more times in the NASCAR Cup Series. Nothing beats experience in this sport, especially at the Cup level," Zilisch stated in a press release.
The young driver has rapidly established himself as one of NASCAR’s top prospects, boasting victories in both the CARS Tour and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. He has already claimed two wins in 17 Xfinity Series starts, placing fifth in the current standings with JR Motorsports.
Zilisch has made two prior Cup Series appearances. His debut at Circuit of The Americas began with a strong 14th-place qualification but ended in a DNF following a crash with teammate Daniel Suarez. In his second outing during the Coca-Cola 600, Zilisch finished 23rd after completing 398 of 400 laps, gaining critical on-track experience.
This increase in race time comes as speculation grows about Zilisch potentially transitioning to a full-time Cup role. While the future lineup for Trackhouse remains uncertain, team owner Justin Marks indicated that no decisions have been finalized for the upcoming season.
Currently, Trackhouse fields drivers Ross Chastain, Daniel Suarez, and Shane van Gisbergen. Suarez, the team’s inaugural hire, is underperforming in 28th place in the standings, while van Gisbergen struggles in 33rd, indicating the need for exceptional performances to secure their positions.
