What’s Happening?

Keen-eyed fans may have noticed in Victory Lane on Saturday that Connor Zilisch was slinging around a can of Red Bull rather than water or a sports drink. The new addition to his celebration was thanks to Red Bull, who announced prior to the race that Zilisch was the newest Red Bull athlete. However, a recent episode of Door Bumper Clear hints that there could be more to come for Red Bull and Zilisch.

• Connor Zilisch is one of NASCAR hottest new prospects. Signed to a developmental deal with Trackhouse Racing, Zilisch is racing full-time with JR Motorsports next season.
• Saturday at Watkins Glen, Zilisch won his first career Xfinity Series race, his debut in the series, and his debut race as the newest Red Bull athlete.
• Red Bull has not appeared on a car in NASCAR since 2011. The team was the title sponsor of a team beginning in 2007.
• With Zilisch’s new sponsor, many fans were hopeful that the sponsor could hop on the hood of Connor’s Camaro next season. Recently, an unlikely source hinted that more than just a promotional sponsorship might be in the works.

Red Bull is back?

Red Bull’s tenure in NASCAR from 2007 to 2011, as memorable as it was, did not show much in terms of on-track results. Despite fielding names like Vickers and Kahne, the team won just one race.

However, the simple silver and navy paint schemes on their two cars were as iconic as any of the early 2010s. One driver from that era, as forgettable as his stats were, was Scott Speed in the No. 82. The former Formula One driver raced two full-time seasons with Red Bull in NASCAR and F1.

Speed was at Watkins Glen this past weekend to welcome Connor Zillisch into the Red Bull family. In a sport where Monster Energy and Celcius reign supreme, Red Bull now has two Red Bull Athletes.

However, neither driver Zilisch nor Trackhouse Teammate Shane Van Gisbergen have Red Bull on their cars. Rather, they wear striking Red Bull-branded helmets.

Fortunately, it sounds like more Red Bull maybe be on the way.

Is more to come?

As part of Dirty Mo Media, a sister company of JR Motorsports, Door Bumper Clear has access to the inside workings of JRM, including drivers and employees. On the Sept. 16 episode of DBC, Karsyn Elledge, co-host and notably Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s niece, spoke about Connor Zilisch’s potential impact on NASCAR.

“I think he’ll be a great ambassador for the sport, and they need to have him everywhere they can. I think that’s kind of what’s starting to happen with… the energy drink stuff that he’s got going on. Am I allowed to say like what it actually is, or will I get in trouble? … The Red Bull stuff and Trackhouse, I think.. I think he’ll be all right.” — Karsyn Elledge, Door Bumper Clear

This cast recorded this episode after the Watkins Glen race, meaning the Red Bull deal was already public. Elledge subsequently changed the course of the conversation rather quickly.

While many may be overanalyzing these comments, there is a chance that there is more to it. But what could it be?

Most fans are more than hopeful that it could be a return to car sponsorship. Many fans have made mock-ups of Connors 2025 No. 88 with Red Bull colors. Notably, according to JR Motorsports, the only announced sponsor for Zilisch next year is Carolina Carports for three races.

While it is fun to think about Red Bull mending the gap for Zilisch, there is a real chance this could be for advertising, such as cutouts in stores and advertisements.

Ultimately, Connor Zilisch’s new partnership is special for NASCAR, whether it’s on a car or on a helmet.

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