Veteran NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick weighed in on how Connor Zilisch could best help JR Motorsports. He was recently signed by the team as the driver of their Chevrolet No. 1. 88 for the 2025 Xfinity Series season.
Zilisch currently competes in the ARCA Menards Series East and West and has several wins, making him a serious contender for the season. Additionally, he managed a P4 in his first Truck Series race at COTA earlier this season. Speaking about Zilisch’s move to Xfinity, former NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick said he could “get tougher” at times, referring to his last Truck Series race at Richmond. However, he believes the team can benefit from him because of his driving talent.
“As we’ve seen in truck racing this week, you know, it’s going to be tougher,” Harvick said on his eponymous podcast (at 0:20). “But Connor has a great talent. Now it will be the next stage of the race that will always be about, OK, I can drive fast, but now how do I communicate with my team to make them understand what they need. a car to help drive the car to be as fast as possible.” “So I think with Trackhouse with Connor Zilisch, I mean, they’ve struck gold and I think for them, they have a talent that you can’t teach. He has this natural ability to initiate and lead. »
Zilisch was in the top 10 with 20 laps to go at Richmond in the last Truck Series race. However, he had an accident and left the race.
Connor Zilisch hopes to make his way into the Cup Series with JR Motorsports
The 18-year-old took a big step in his racing career after signing for the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports. From his performances, it seems he can handle the competition he faces in the league.
Speaking about his signing, Connor Zilisch called it “a once in a lifetime opportunity” to run with JRM. “It’s going to be huge for me. It’s a unique opportunity to come here and race in JRM,” said Connor Zilisch (at 0:25). “A lot of Cup Series guys have been through this building and it will be an honor to drive for Dale and everyone at JR Motorsports.
