What’s Happening?

Trackhouse Racing has five drivers under contract this year, and the youngest of the group is Connor Zilisch. He’ll turn 18 this July, which means he’ll be eligible to compete full-time in the NASCAR National Touring Series starting in 2025. Where can Trackhouse put Zilisch in 2025?

• Despite having only two race cars, Trackhouse has 5 drivers under contract, but it is looking to expand. According to sources, they could buy up 2 of Stewart-Haas Racing’s charters, which could open up a spot for Zilisch in the lower series.
• While Zilisch would likely not race under the Trackhouse banner in 2024, he could race for a team with which Trackhouse is aligned. There are plenty of options for Zilisch in that regard.
• Fans are excited to see how the Zilisch story unfolds. He’s seen as one of the best prospects, if not the best prospect, in NASCAR right now.

Kaulig Racing (Xfinity)

Last week on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio, Kaulig Racing President Chris Rice denied rumors that the team was looking to merge with Trackhouse, but, he did say that the two teams would remain close. If Trackhouse buys 2 SHR charters, that opens up a spot in the Cup Series for SVG. That opens up another spot in the Xfinity Series in that third Kaulig car.

This would be a great spot for Zilisch to land since he’s a top talent, and Kaulig is a team that can compete for wins. However, Zilisch has yet to make an Xfinity Series start this year, even though he’s scheduled to make 4 starts later this year for JRM.

Spire Motorsports (Trucks)

Spire Motorsports has enjoyed a solid first full-time season in the Craftsman Truck Series, save for Chase Purdy. He currently sits 16th in the standings while all other Spire Trucks are comfortably in the Playoffs. This could be the perfect spot for Zilisch to race in 2025.

His first Truck Series start came in Spire Motorsports equipment, where he won the pole and finished fourth. Spire knows him, and they know he can get results. However, Zane Smith leaving Spire at the end of the year does call into question how much longer that alliance will last.

JR Motorsports (Xfinity)

Zilisch will make four starts later this fall for JRM in the Xfinity Series. They will be his first career starts in the series, and all eyes will be on him. If the proper rides open up, it could also be an audition for 2025.

JRM’s 2025 season is uncertain. Brandon Jones’ contract is running out, but, he’s improved this season. Sam Mayer is a 2024 race winner, Justin Allgaier is a stalwart, and Sammy Smith is very young. It’s tough to imagine that the right opportunity will open up.

Pinnacle Racing Group (ARCA)

Zilisch currently leads the ARCA Menards Series East points for Pinnacle Racing Group. That includes a win in an ARCA National Series and East Series combination race at Dover. If no rides in the NASCAR ranks open up, Zilisch could spend some time in ARCA.

However, if Zilisch can help it, this feels like an unnecessary step. He’s more than proven he’s good enough to race in NASCAR, and racing in ARCA is far from a requirement for success in the Cup Series.

McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (Trucks)

The other top Chevy Truck team aside from Spire is McAnally-Hilgemann. Christian Eckes has won six races combined in the last two seasons, and Zane Smith entered a few races this year for the team. There is a Trackhouse connection, and it’s a good team that can win races.

The Truck Series is Zilisch’s most likely next step, and this team sets him up nicely for that. The issue is whether or not a seat opens up for Him. As of right now, that’s uncertain.

Connor Zilisch is one of NASCAR’s brightest young stars. Next year will be big for the young driver.