Connor Zilisch will race full-time within the NASCAR Xfinity Sequence driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for the JR Motorsports group in 2025.
The 18-year-old Trackhouse Racing improvement driver stormed onto the racing scene in 2024 compiling a powerful resume that features LMP2 victories on the Rolex 24 in Daytona, the Twelve Hours of Sebring.
#18 Period Motorsport ORECA LMP2-Gibson: Dwight Merriman, Ryan Dalziel, Connor Zilisch
Photograph by: Jake Galstad / Motorsport Pictures
He adopted up these victories with 4 wins within the ARCA Sequence at Dover (Del.) Speedway in April, Flat Rock (Mich.) Speedway in Might, Iowa Speedway in June and Indianapolis Raceway Park in July. He additionally received a CARS Tour race at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway in April.
Zilisch set a brand new observe report in his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Sequence debut on the Circuit of the America’s in Austin, Texas in March profitable the pole by seven-tenths of a second and ending fourth within the race after driving from the again of the sphere.
Connor Zilisch, Spire Motorsports, Austin Hatcher Basis Chevrolet Silverado
Photograph by: Nigel Kinrade / NKP / Motorsport Pictures
“That is an incredible second for me and all of the individuals who have helped me get to this place in my profession,” mentioned Zilisch, who solely turned eligible to race within the Xfinity Sequence when he turned 18 on July 22.
“With a lot help from Chevrolet and an opportunity to race in vans and ARCA with Silver Hare Racing, I used to be in a position to signal with Trackhouse Racing they usually went to work to safe an unbelievable alternative for me. I’m so grateful and may’t wait to indicate their belief in me is warranted.
“It’s mind-blowing to assume that I’ll drive for JR Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., who’s considered one of my heroes. I’m able to put within the work.”
He joins a company at JR Motorsports that has launched the careers of NASCAR stars like William Byron, Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski and Tyler Reddick.
“Connor is such a powerful driver at this younger age,” mentioned Earnhardt Jr. “We’re excited for him to get behind the wheel full-time subsequent season. He’s on a path to positive success with help from Chevrolet, Trackhouse Racing, and now JR Motorsports.”
Zilisch will drive the No. 88 for JR Motorsports in a four-race deal this season. His schedule kicks off at Watkins Glen Worldwide (14 September) and contains races at Kansas Speedway (28 September), Homestead-Miami Speedway (26 October) and Phoenix Raceway (9 November).
Trackhouse founder and proprietor Justin Marks mentioned pairing Zilisch with JR Motorsports is intentional.
“We couldn’t be extra excited to start this relationship with JR Motorsports and know that Connor is in good arms as we work collectively to proceed Connor’s improvement,” mentioned Marks, who added a sponsorship announcement will come later within the 12 months.
“Connor has a vibrant future on this sport and we plan to be collectively for a very long time. JR Motorsports is the right associate for Trackhouse and Connor.”
