Connor Zilisch is at the center of one of NASCAR’s biggest conversations after Joey Logano delivered a candid message about the challenges that lie ahead for the young driver. The exchange was highlighted in an ESPN report discussing what Zilisch should expect as he prepares to enter the NASCAR Cup Series.
Zilisch is set to join Trackhouse Racing full-time in 2026, where he will pilot the No. 88 Chevrolet backed by major partners Red Bull and WeatherTech. In the ESPN article, Logano acknowledged Zilisch’s talent but warned that talent alone won’t guarantee success at the Cup level. He explained, “You cannot drink your own Kool Aid too much where you think you are the next thing because you are going to get here and fall on your face.”
Logano reflected on his own career as an example, noting that he was thrust into the Cup Series early and quickly realized the gap between the lower series and the Cup was larger than he anticipated. Kyle Busch also weighed in, warning that the jump to Cup is tougher than it seems. He described the transition from Xfinity to Cup as a “rude awakening,” adding, “Drivers do not get it or cannot comprehend that step.” Busch emphasized that, “There are no breaks given whether you are racing for the win, a top 10, or 32nd.”
Connor Zilisch’s racing journey began early—he started karting at the age of five. At fourteen, he won the FIA Karting Academy Trophy, then progressed through a diverse range of motorsports, including sports cars, MX-5 Cup, Trans Am, endurance racing, and stock cars. Veteran driver Kevin Harvick played a significant role in guiding Zilisch toward a NASCAR career.
Zilisch’s resume is impressive, with victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, Late Models, ARCA, Trucks, and the Xfinity Series.
### How Connor Zilisch Handled Losing the Xfinity Title
Before fully turning his attention to the Cup Series, Zilisch faced a setback in the Xfinity Series championship at Phoenix. Despite a record-setting season with dominant performances, the 19-year-old finished behind his close friend Jesse Love, who claimed the title.
Starting the race ahead of other title contenders, Zilisch ultimately fell short but maintained a level-headed perspective. Three days later, in a press conference featured on NASCAR’s official website, he reflected on the defeat:
“At the end of the day, I did everything I could. And my team, the whole JR Motorsports group, we gave our all, and I do not have any reason to be upset about what happened.”
He added, “Yeah, it stings. It sucks. But we did everything we could and we tried our best.”
Zilisch emphasized that he would only regret the outcome if he felt he had left something undone, which he clearly had not. “If I walked out of that place knowing that I could have done something differently, then I probably would have been a little more upset. But I gave it my all. I did everything I could, and the result was not meant to be.”
### Looking Ahead: The Cup Series Future
With his Xfinity chapter behind him, Connor Zilisch will make his move to the NASCAR Cup Series next season, joining Trackhouse Racing alongside teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen. Stefan Parsons will serve as his spotter, helping guide his transition to the sport’s top level.
As the motorsports community watches closely, Zilisch’s talent, work ethic, and grounded attitude will be key factors as he steps into one of the most competitive racing environments in the world.
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