Connor Zilisch is gearing up for his first full season in the NASCAR Cup Series after an impressive showing in the 2025 Xfinity campaign. With 10 wins and multiple top-five finishes under his belt, Zilisch caught the eye of Trackhouse Racing, who signed him to drive their No. 99 car for the 2026 season and beyond.
The move to Cup Series racing will see Zilisch replace Daniel Suarez in the No. 99 car, with Suarez expected to move to Spire Motorsports. Zilisch will have teammates in Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen as he takes on the challenges of the Cup Series schedule.
Having made three starts in a Trackhouse Cup car last season, Zilisch understands the level of competition in the Cup Series. With a best finish of eleventh at EchoPark Speedway, the young driver from Charlotte, North Carolina, is well aware of the ruthless nature of racing at the highest level.
Zilisch’s performance in the Xfinity Series last season, with 20 top-five finishes and 23 top-10s in 32 starts, earned him a runner-up finish in the championship standings behind Jesse Love.
As Zilisch prepares for his rookie season in the Cup Series, he received some words of wisdom from veteran driver Joey Logano, a three-time Cup Series champion. Logano emphasized the need for Zilisch to stay humble and continue learning as he transitions to Cup racing.
Reflecting on his own Cup Series debut at the age of 18, Logano praised Zilisch’s talent and maturity, but also reminded him of the challenges that come with racing against the best drivers in the world. Zilisch, however, feels confident and ready for the challenge, expressing his excitement for the upcoming season.
The next event on Zilisch’s calendar is the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, followed by the prestigious Daytona 500. With the support of his team at Trackhouse Racing and the guidance of experienced drivers like Logano, Zilisch is poised to make a strong impression in his rookie season.
As the young driver embarks on this new chapter in his racing career, fans can expect to see exciting battles on the track and impressive performances from the talented newcomer. Stay tuned for more updates on Connor Zilisch’s journey in the NASCAR Cup Series.
This article was edited by Tushhita Barua.
