Truckhouse did not include Conor Zilisch in their announcement about Daniel Suarez departing after the season, but it was clear Zilisch was implied in the message. The list of potential replacements for Suarez is very short, and Zilisch is not really considered a candidate at this point.
Connor Zilisch, who recently turned 19, is seen as a promising talent. JR Motorsports is already exploring options to replace him in the Xfinity Series next year if he doesn’t continue full-time, as he is currently a full-time driver for Truckhouse with a signed contract for this season. Despite his youth, Zilisch has shown great potential with three wins and nine top-five finishes in 20 Xfinity starts. He has consistently finished in the top five in his last five races on tracks ranging from 1.33 to 2.5 miles and includes both ovals and road courses. This is impressive considering he wasn’t eligible to race on tracks longer than 1.25 miles until he turned 18 last year.
Currently, Zilisch ranks fifth in the Xfinity standings even though he missed a race due to a back injury. He was unlucky to lose his win in Mexico City but led laps in 12 of his 16 starts this year. Recently, he has also made three Cup Series starts with his best finish being 11th in Atlanta.
The main concern is his mental readiness for the Cup Series, but many believe he is prepared. His early experience racing in Europe, where he had to do things on his own like riding a bike for food, shows his maturity. The Xfinity Series is seen as the right place for drivers to develop the mental toughness needed for the Cup Series, which has a long and demanding schedule requiring resilience to bounce back quickly from setbacks.
Earlier this season, Zilisch struggled with only three top-10 finishes in the first 11 races and several crashes. However, his performance has improved dramatically in the past five weeks with finishes including second at Nashville, fifth in Mexico City, first at Pocono, and fourth in Atlanta after returning from a break.
There’s no rush to push him to the Cup Series since another year in Xfinity is beneficial, but his recent form suggests he is ready. Truckhouse and sponsor Red Bull seem confident in him making the jump. Zilisch plans to increase his Cup Series starts next year, and his recent success and attitude indicate that moving him up is a smart move. He stands apart from other drivers who tend to rise too quickly without the necessary foundation.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for NASCAR fans as it highlights the emergence of a young, talented driver ready to make an impact at the top level. Zilisch’s progression symbolizes the future of the sport and offers hope for fresh competition and excitement in the Cup Series.
