Trackhouse adds Atlanta, Watkins Glen to Connor Zilisch’s 2025 Cup Series schedule

“It’s awesome to have the opportunity to race two more times in the NASCAR Cup Series,” Zilisch said in a statement. “Nothing beats experience in this sport especially at the Cup level. Thanks to everyone at Red Bull and Trackhouse for this opportunity.”

Zilisch, 18, is in his first full-time season in the Xfinity Series. Driving for JR Motorsports, he took the checkered flag at COTA and sits fifth in the points standings. Zilisch has made two Cup starts this season for Trackhouse, finishing 37th at COTA and 23rd at Charlotte Motor Speedway. 

Signed to Trackhouse as a development driver, Zilisch continues to make these spot Cup starts to get acclimated to the Next Gen car. Why? It’s simple; Trackhouse sees Zilisch as a Cup driver in the near future. Trackhouse owner Justin Marks is focused on using its fourth part-time Cup entry to give Zilisch reps at NASCAR’s highest level.

Connor Zilisch getting more reps at Cup level

“We’ll see what his future holds, but right now we have a mechanism in the company to put that extra car out,” Marks told Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic. “We just want him to get that experience. No expectations for results or anything like that.

“We have the opportunity to give him the learning experience, and we’ll continue to do that. The Cup Series is a different sport than the Xfinity Series. It is just so, so difficult. The only way to learn is to go out there and do it.”

The team currently has four drivers under contract: Ross Chastain, Daniel Suárez, Shane van Gisbergen and Zilisch. The former three make up Trackhouse’s three-driver Cup lineup. Chastain still has multiple years on his contract and will continue on in the No. 1 car. How Marks will handle the other three drivers is the big question.

Suárez’s contract is up after the 2025 season and if Marks wants Zilisch to take the next step, the No. 99 ride could be the move. Suárez, however, is well-liked within Trackhouse and has sponsorship. He’s also proven to be more competitive on ovals than van Gisbergen, the road course ace in his rookie season in Cup. But does Trackhouse feel Zilisch is ready for Cup? Marks has to figure that out.