Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kevin Harvick Pushes NASCAR’s Next Superstar Toward Indy 500

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Gowtham Ramalingam | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 3:38 PM ET

Connor Zilisch grew up dreaming of being a Formula 1 driver. While that route hasn't materialized, he could make up for it slightly by taking a shot at the prestigious Indianapolis 500. Kevin Harvick, who sees more than just a promising stock car racer in him, believes he must attempt the race while he is still young and unproven in the Cup Series.

The former champion said during a recent conversation with veteran reporter Bob Pockrass on his podcast, "I'd love to see Zilisch do it [attempt the Indy 500]. I think you gotta do it while you are young. You don't HAVE to do it while you are young. I think your best opportunity to perform like Kyle Larson did in Year 1 [2024] is to do it [young]."

Kyle Busch? Connor Zilisch? @KevinHarvick and @BobPockrass on who could be the next NASCAR driver to try the Indy 500. pic.twitter.com/W8eR2mfJDD
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) October 2, 2025

He continued to explain that a rookie driver would have all the excuses in the world for not performing well if things end up going south. He also entertained the idea of Trackhouse Racing team owner Justin Marks, whom Zilisch will be driving for in the Cup Series in 2026, beginning an IndyCar Series program to aid the youngster.

Harvick About Zilisch’s Missed Formula 1 Opportunity

Zilisch is proving every weekend in the Xfinity Series that he is a generational talent. His skills are as good as any seen throughout history, and he is well on his way towards securing a championship in his maiden NASCAR season. In a different timeline, this expertise would be serving the ambitions of Formula 1 right now.

Harvick said, "He had the highest possibility of being a true contender in F1 as an American ... Luckily, we steered him towards NASCAR and not the open wheel route because he was one of the very few that could go over there on talent and make it on the F1 side without just a bucket of money."

NASCAR fans can thank the racing gods for landing on him on stock racing's doorstep. But his entry into Formula 1 can't be ruled out yet. He admitted on Corey LaJoie's podcast earlier this year that the chances of him transitioning to Formula 1 in the future aren't zero. If that's his dream still, an Indy 500 attempt could serve him well.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: