Connor Zilisch makes feelings clear ahead of ‘ruthless’ NASCAR journey

Connor Zilisch is ahead of his maiden full season in the NASCAR Cup Series. After finishing his 2025 Xfinity campaign with a series-high 10 wins and multiple top five performances, the young racing phenom got tabbed by Trackhouse Racing to pilot their No. 99 car in 2026 and beyond.

The usual driver of the No. 99, Daniel Suarez, is expected to move to Spire Motorsports for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Zilisch will be joined by teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen for the 2026 Cup Series schedule.

Zilisch made three starts in a Trackhouse Cup car last season, finishing as high as eleventh at EchoPark Speedway. The Charlotte, North Carolina-native knows how difficult it is to prosper at the Cup level.

“There are no breaks given whether you're racing for the win, a top 10 or 32nd," Connor Zilisch explained. "It doesn't matter; everyone is there to be in the next-best position and everyone gets paid to finish as good as possible.

“There is no slack cut like there is in Xfinity. In Cup, it's just ruthless. Those guys race for every spot like it's the last lap of their lives,” he added.

In 32 starts last season, Zilisch picked 20 top fives and 23 top-10s. He finished second on points behind the 2025 Xfinity Series champion, Jesse Love.

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Connor Zilisch gets praise and a reminder from Cup Series veteran ahead of his rookie season

Ahead of his full-time Cup Series debut, Connor Zilisch got a reality check from Joey Logano, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. Cup racing is different from Xfinity racing, so staying humble while learning is going to be the key, Logano explained.

Logano was 18 when he made his Cup Series debut. Zilisch is also about the same age. Reflecting on the same, the 2024 Cup Series Champion said,

“I think he's better than I was at that age, and he seems to be more mature than I was at that age.”

The Penske-driver also said,

“He's a great driver, no doubt. He won a lot of Xfinity races. Cup racing is different. Everybody is great at this level. Everybody is fantastic.”

“As good as I think he is and will be, I also think he has to stay humble throughout it all and remember what's important,” he added.

However, Connor Zilisch thinks he is ready. In an earlier interview (quoted by Motorsport.com), the driver said,

“Cup racing has been the goal since joining with Chevrolet and Trackhouse, and while I didn't know it would come this soon, I feel like I'm ready.”

Next up for the 19-year-old speedster is the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, scheduled for February 1. The results of the Clash will not affect the point standings. So, the points battle will begin the following weekend with the 68th running of the Daytona 500.