Report: Connor Zilisch in talks with JR Motorsports

June 28, 2024
4:28 pm

Let us know what you think

Join the conversation on socials

What’s Happening?

One of NASCAR’s brightest young prospects is set to get his big break. According to Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal, 17-year-old Trackhouse development driver Connor Zilisch is currently “in discussions” with JR Motorsports to compete full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series next year as part of an alliance with Trackhouse. He is already set to compete in four Xfinity Series races this fall for JRM in the No. 88 car, racing at Watkins Glen, Kansas, Homestead-Miami, and Phoenix.

Racing prodigy @ConnorZilisch is in discussions to compete full time next year in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for @JRMotorsports, per sources, as he rapidly climbs the ladder toward the Cup Series.

📰: https://t.co/MbY9Wr5479 pic.twitter.com/88bKraI7gg
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) June 28, 2024

This deal is very similar to what Trackhouse did with Shane Van Gisbergen in the Xfinity Series this season. Trackhouse loaned SVG to fellow Chevrolet outfit Kaulig Racing and helped sponsor that Xfinity car through companies like Weathertech. However, Trackhouse does not yet have an in-house Xfinity Series program. No one knows how this move will impact the Trackhouse/Kaulig Xfinity Series alliance.
It’s unclear how exactly Zilisch will fit into the JRM fold. It is already a four-car Xfinity Series team, and it’s unclear if any drivers will leave the team at the season’s end. In the Xfinity Series, NASCAR does not limit teams to four cars like it does in Cup, and JRM currently intends to field a fifth entry in 16 out of 33 races this season.
Fans are thrilled to see Zilisch move up to the Xfinity Series. He has impressed in his limited starts in both the ARCA and the Truck Series, with two ARCA wins and a Truck Series pole. Now, he is getting his big change.