History of Connor Zilisch in Timeline

Connor Jackson Zilisch is an American professional racing driver currently participating in NASCAR. He drives the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 full-time for Trackhouse Racing in the Cup Series. Additionally, he competes part-time in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, driving the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro SS for JR Motorsports. His career is actively unfolding within the realm of professional stock car racing.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1983: World Artistic Gymnastics Championships

In 1983, Janice Kerr, Connor Zilisch's mother, was a member of the Canadian women's national artistic gymnastics team that finished tenth at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

1987: NCAA Southeast Region All-Around Champion

In 1987, Janice Kerr, Connor Zilisch's mother, became the NCAA Southeast Region all-around champion.

1988: Repeats as NCAA Southeast Region All-Around Champion

In 1988, Janice Kerr repeated her success and was again named the NCAA Southeast Region all-around champion.

1990: Southeastern Conference H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete of the Year

In 1990, Janice Kerr was recognized as the Southeastern Conference H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

July 22, 2006: Connor Zilisch's Birth

On July 22, 2006, Connor Jackson Zilisch was born. He is an American professional racing driver.

2011: Started Competing in Go-Karts

In 2011, at the age of five, Connor Zilisch began his racing career competing in go-karts.

2014: Josh Wise Dogecoin Throwback

During the 2023 Throwback 276 at Hickory Motor Speedway, Connor Zilisch ran a throwback to the No. 98 Dogecoin car driven in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2014 by his current driver coach Josh Wise.

2017: Mini Rok World Championship Win

In 2017, Connor Zilisch won the Mini Rok World Championship in South Garda, Italy, competing against over 160 competitors.

2018: Raced in FIA OKJ Class

Connor Zilisch raced primarily in the FIA OKJ class in 2018 and 2019, marking his continued participation in international karting events.

2019: Made "A" Final in OKJ World Championship

In 2019, Connor Zilisch made the "A" final in the OKJ World Championship, showcasing his competitiveness on the global stage.

2020: CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy Win and OKJ World Championship

In 2020, Connor Zilisch became the first American to win the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy. He also made the 'A' final in the OKJ World Championship.

2020: Karting Academy Trophy Win

In 2020, Connor Zilisch culminated his early career in karts by winning the Karting Academy Trophy.

2021: Move to cars

In 2021, Connor Zilisch transitioned from karts to racing cars, marking a new phase in his racing career.

2021: Transition to Sports Cars

In 2021, Connor Zilisch transitioned from karts to racing sports cars, marking a new phase in his racing career.

2021: SCCA Spec Miata Debut and Success

In early 2021, Connor Zilisch began racing cars in the SCCA Spec Miata class, achieving strong results including track records and podium finishes. He finished third at the SCCA Run-offs and was named SCCA Jim Fitzgerald Rookie of the Year. He also won the Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout, earning a $110,000 scholarship.

2021: Ty Gibbs Xfinity Series Debut Win

Ty Gibbs won in his Xfinity Series debut at the 2021 Daytona RC race. This event is used as a reference point to contextualize Zilisch's Xfinity Series debut win at Watkins Glen.

June 2022: Pro Late Model Debut and Victory

In June 2022, Connor Zilisch made his Pro Late Model debut in the No. 4 for Setzer Racing and Development at Orange County Speedway, winning the pole and leading all laps to secure his first career victory in an Asphalt Late Model overall and Pro Late Model.

2022: Late Model Stock Car Racing

In 2022, Connor Zilisch began racing late-model cars to prepare for a potential NASCAR path. He secured two wins at Hickory Motor Speedway and two other podium positions in the No. 57 for Carroll Speedshop.

2022: Mazda MX-5 Cup Season

In 2022, Connor Zilisch recorded four wins in the Mazda MX-5 Cup series and finished second in the championship after a post-race penalty affected the final standings. He was also named Mazda MX-5 Cup Rookie of the Year, winning $85K for second place.

2022: Full-Time TA2 Racing

In 2022, Zilisch raced TA2 full-time for Silver Hare Racing after a strong performance in his first Trans Am TA2 race at Virginia International Raceway in late 2021 where he earned pole position.

August 14, 2023: ARCA Menards Series Debut Announcement

On August 14, 2023, it was announced that Connor Zilisch would make his ARCA Menards Series debut in the No. 28 for Pinnacle Racing Group at Watkins Glen.

2023: CARS Pro Late Model Tour Win at Ace Speedway

In 2023, Connor Zilisch returned to the No. 25 for Rackley W.A.R. and won at Ace Speedway in his second start of the season in the CARS Pro Late Model Tour.

2023: Part-Time CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour

In 2023, Connor Zilisch returned to the No. 57 for Carroll Speedshop on a part-time basis in the CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour.

January 11, 2024: Signs with Trackhouse Racing

On January 11, 2024, Connor Zilisch signed a multi-year contract with Trackhouse Racing as a developmental driver. His program includes races in multiple series.

March 12, 2024: Xfinity Series Slate with JR Motorsports

On March 12, 2024, it was announced that Connor Zilisch would run a four-race slate with JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 88 car.

March 15, 2024: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Debut Announcement

On March 15, 2024, it was announced that Connor Zilisch would run a three-race schedule for Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 7 truck, debuting at Circuit of the Americas.

March 18, 2024: Full Season in ARCA Menards Series East

On March 18, 2024, it was announced that Connor Zilisch would run a full season in the ARCA Menards Series East, driving the No. 28 car for Pinnacle Racing Group.

August 7, 2024: Full-Time JRM Ride in 2025 Announcement

On August 7, 2024, it was announced on The Dale Jr. Download that Connor Zilisch would drive the No. 88 car for JRM full-time in 2025.

December 12, 2024: Partnership Announcement for Rolex 24 At Daytona

On December 12, 2024, it was announced that Connor Zilisch would drive a Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the GTD Pro class in the 2025 Rolex 24 At Daytona, in partnership between Trackhouse Racing and TF Sport.

2024: Breakthrough Racing Season

Connor Zilisch had a breakthrough season in 2024, winning the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in the LMP2 class, and winning his first NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Watkins Glen International in September.

January 23, 2025: NASCAR Cup Series Debut at COTA

On January 23, 2025, it was announced that Connor Zilisch would make his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Circuit of the Americas, driving the No. 87 for Trackhouse with sponsorship from Red Bull. He crashed into his teammate and DNF'd.

August 4, 2025: Niece Motorsports and Spire Motorsports Race Announcements

On August 4, 2025, it was announced that Connor Zilisch would compete in the race at Watkins Glen for Niece Motorsports after Kaden Honeycutt was released. Later on, Zilisch drove the No. 7 truck for Spire Motorsports at the Charlotte Roval.

August 23, 2025: Multi-Year Contract with Trackhouse

On August 23, 2025, Trackhouse announced that Connor Zilisch signed a multi-year contract to drive for Trackhouse in 2026.

September 24, 2025: Part-Time Ride Announcement for 2026

On September 24, 2025, it was announced that Connor Zilisch would drive the No. 1 car part-time for the 2026 season, sharing the ride with Carson Kvapil.

November 7, 2025: Car Number Reveal

On November 7, 2025, it was revealed that Connor Zilisch would run the No. 88, while Shane van Gisbergen would run the No. 97 for Trackhouse.

December 16, 2025: Confirmation for GTP Class at 24 Hours of Daytona

On December 16, 2025, Connor Zilisch was confirmed to enter the GTP class for Cadillac Whelen, driving a Cadillac V-Series.R in the 2026 24 Hours of Daytona.

2025: Full-Time Xfinity Series and Championship Run

In 2025, Connor Zilisch competed full-time in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports, achieving ten wins and a record-breaking eighteen consecutive top-five finishes. He won Rookie of the Year and finished second in the championship race at Phoenix Raceway.

2025: Developmental Program Races

In 2025, Connor Zilisch's developmental program with Trackhouse Racing will continue with races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA, CARS Tour, Trans-Am, and IMSA.

2025: First Race of the year at Circuit of the Americas and Back Injury

In 2025, after a slow start to the season, Zilisch won his first race of the year at Circuit of the Americas. At the spring Talladega race, Zilisch was spun from the lead by Jesse Love down the track where the car hit the inside wall head-on. Zilisch complained about his back, and the back injury he suffered forced him to sit out and be replaced by Kyle Larson at Texas.

2026: Driving for Trackhouse

In 2026, Connor Zilisch will drive for Trackhouse, continuing his career with the team.

2026: Part-Time Season

In 2026, Connor Zilisch will drive the No. 1 car part-time, sharing the ride with Carson Kvapil.

2026: Finished Second at 24 Hours of Daytona

In 2026, Connor Zilisch, with teammates Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, and Frederik Vesti, finished second overall at the 24 Hours of Daytona driving a Cadillac V-Series.R.