Trackhouse Makes It Official: Connor Zilisch Full-Time Cup In 2026

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Connor Zilisch has created many memorable moments that many would contemplate stunning. 

From successful seven races to lacking two races (really extra like 1.8 races) due to accidents (one from falling off his automotive), Zilisch has had a wild 12 months. A 12 months through which he simply turned 19 years outdated.

He had one other memorable second on Saturday at Daytona Worldwide Speedway when Trackhouse Racing formally introduced that he would race full-time within the NASCAR Cup Sequence in 2026.

The announcement wasn’t a shock, because the crew had already introduced that Daniel Suarez wouldn’t return. Regardless of it not being a shock, Zilisch, who moved to Europe earlier than he was a young person to race go-karts, teared up and sobbed at a part of the information convention.

“I by no means thought I’d make it wherever in racing,” Zilisch stated. “My dad and mom have been behind me since Day 1 by each second, the nice, the unhealthy. There have been many instances I questioned why I left college, left my buddies to make this dedication … and attempt to chase a dream of racing in motorsports.

“I by no means knew what was forward of me. There have been instances 5 years in the past the place I assumed I used to be going to go to varsity and reside the lifetime of a standard child.”

Zilisch stated he was emotional as a result of despite the fact that he knew the announcement was coming, it took a lot to get so far.

“I had a sense I’d [cry],” Zilisch stated. “It is cool. I knew the entire world knew already, however nonetheless to have the ability to say it and have my title subsequent to the phrase ‘Cup Sequence’ is actually cool.

Xfinity driver Connor Zilisch will take his skills to the NASCAR Cup Sequence as a full-time driver in 2026.

“I wasn’t going to try to disguise from it, nevertheless it’s only a day that I have been dreaming of for a very long time. And I am not going to let the concept everyone already is aware of take away from the second.”

A automotive quantity for Zilisch was not introduced. He presently drives the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, however that quantity is already being utilized in Cup by his teammate, Shane van Gisbergen. 

The crew might transfer that quantity to Zilisch. As a younger driver, there’s the potential {that a} historic quantity like that one can be an excellent match to hold him by his profession. In that case, the three-time Supercar champion SVG can be moved to a different automotive quantity.

Zilisch is second within the Xfinity Sequence standings and has a series-high seven wins, certainly one of which got here Friday night time when he drove simply the primary 13 laps however relinquished the driving duties to Parker Kligerman. 

He fell off his automotive celebrating in victory lane at Watkins Glen two weeks in the past and broke his collarbone. The worry of injuring his collarbone, which isn’t utterly healed, had his crew decide he ought to get out of the automotive.

The highest Cup prospect in a FOX Sports activities rating earlier this month, Zilisch has raced this season for JR Motorsports whereas below contract with Trackhouse. Zilisch additionally has made three Cup begins, with a better of eleventh at Atlanta.

Sponsors WeatherTech and Purple Bull will proceed with Zilisch.

“Simply each automotive he is gotten in, he is found out a strategy to win,” stated crew co-owner Justin Marks. 

Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR and INDYCAR for FOX Sports activities. He has spent a long time overlaying motorsports, together with over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting Information, NASCAR Scene journal and The (Daytona Seaside) Information-Journal. Comply with him on Twitter @bobpockrass.

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