A 19-year-old driver from the Charlotte area is stepping onto one of racing’s biggest stages this weekend.
Connor Zilisch, a native of Mooresville, North Carolina, is set to compete in the Daytona 500 on February 15, marking his debut in NASCAR’s top series. His entry into the race comes just four years after attending the Daytona 500 as a fan.
Zilisch has quickly become one of the most talked-about young drivers in the sport. He enters the season with significant attention from competitors and industry leaders who view him as one of the most promising rookies in recent years.
During a recent preseason race at Bowman Gray Stadium, Zilisch expressed a willingness to race despite challenging conditions. As sleet and limited visibility affected the track, he communicated to his team that drivers should continue and adapt to the circumstances.
Zilisch, a Mooresville native, began racing go-karts only a few years ago and has progressed rapidly through the ranks. In a short period of time, he has competed in sports car racing and multiple NASCAR series, earning wins at several levels.
In 2024, he was part of a team that secured victories in both the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. He returned to the Rolex 24 the following year alongside drivers Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen.
In NASCAR’s second-tier national series, Zilisch recorded 10 wins last season, the most of any driver. He did not win the championship after a head-to-head loss in the season finale, and has since shifted his focus to the current season.
Zilisch now joins Trackhouse Racing, where he will compete alongside Shane van Gisbergen and Ross Chastain. He replaces Daniel Suarez in the team’s lineup.
Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks has pointed to Zilisch’s maturity and performance as reasons for his rapid advancement. Other drivers have also noted his ability to compete at a high level despite his age.
Zilisch is part of a new generation of drivers entering NASCAR with experience across multiple forms of racing. His performance this season will be closely followed as he begins competing at the sport’s highest level.
