Connor Zilisch, one of America’s most promising young race car drivers, will bring his talents to the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time behind the wheel of the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, a perennial championship contender.
The 18-year-old Trackhouse Racing development driver arrived on the racing scene in 2024, compiling an impressive resume that includes wins at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, the Twelve Hours of Sebring, four ARCA races and a CARS Tour event.
Zilisch set a new record in his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Circuit of the America’s in Austin, Texas, in March, winning the pole by seven-tenths of a second and finishing fourth in the race after leading the field I pack the back. “This is an incredible moment for me and for all the people who have helped me get to this point in my career,” said Zilisch, who earned the right to race in the Xfinity Series when he turned 18 on the 22nd. of July He joins an organization at JR Motorsports that has launched the careers of NASCAR stars such as William Byron, Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, Tyler Reddick and others. “With a lot of support from Chevrolet and the opportunity to race pickups and ARCA with Silver Hare Racing, I was able to sign with Trackhouse Racing and they went to work to secure an incredible opportunity for me. I am very grateful and look forward to showing that their faith in me is justified.
It’s exciting to drive for JR Motorsports, who is one of my heroes. I’m ready to work hard.” Young Zilisch possesses good looks, a dazzling smile and an impeccable demeanor that belies a ruthless competitor who honed his skills on the roads of Europe and the short tracks of America before joining Trackhouse Racing as pilot development in January. .
It’s been an eventful year for the Mooresville, North Carolina native, who won the LMP2 class at the Sebring 12 Hour in March, after winning the Rolex 24 Hour at Daytona International Speedway in February. He went on to score four ARCA Series wins: Dover (Del.) Speedway in April, Flat Rock (Mich.) Speedway in May, Iowa Speedway in June and Indianapolis Raceway Park in July. He also won a CARS Tour race at Hickory (NC) Motor Speedway in April.
“Connor is such an impressive driver at such a young age,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “We are excited to have him behind the wheel full time next season. He is well on his way to success with the support of Chevrolet, Trackhouse Racing and now JR Motorsports.”
Zilisch already has a first start in the 2025 Xfinity season. He will drive the No. 88 for JR Motorsports in a four-race deal this season. His schedule begins at Watkins Glen International (Sept. 14) and includes races at Kansas Speedway (Sept. 28), Homestead-Miami Speedway (Oct. 26) and Phoenix Raceway (Nov. 9).
Trackhouse founder and owner Justin Marks said Zilisch’s pairing with JR Motorsports was intentional. “We couldn’t be happier to begin this relationship with JR Motorsports and know that Connor is in good hands as we work together to continue Connor’s development,” said Marks, who added that a sponsorship announcement will be made later in the year. year. “Connor has a bright future in this sport and we plan to be together for a long time. JR Motorsports is the perfect partner for Trackhouse and Connor.”
