Connor Zilisch through the years

From racing go-karts during childhood to becoming a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver at age 19, Connor Zilisch had a swift rise through the racing ranks to become one of the sport's most touted prospects in recent history. 

Take a look through some of his top career highlights. 

When Zilisch was just 5 years old, he began his racing career, primarily racing go-karts in the United States. He karted for close to 10 years before finally transitioning to stock cars.

Once Zilisch turned 11, he began embarking on overseas endeavors to pursue his racing career. Continuing to race go-karts, he went to Europe for four straight summers -- without his parents -- with victories on his mind. 

In 2023, Zilisch made his first ARCA Menards Series start for Pinnacle Racing Group at Watkins Glen International. He finished second in that race, leading 34 laps but getting bested by his friend Jesse Love in the final corner. 

While Zilisch regularly competed in the Trans Am Series, he dominated the ARCA Menards Series on a part-time basis in 2024. Making eight ARCA Menards series starts, he won five of them, while also adding four ARCA Menards Series East victories as he finished second in points. 

That season, Trackhouse Racing signed Zilisch to a driver development deal, which has helped ultimately shape his path to becoming a Cup Series driver. 

In March 2024, Zilisch made his NASCAR national-series debut at Circuit of The Americas, driving a Spire Motorsports entry in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He won the pole and ultimately finished fourth. Zilisch made five additional Truck Series starts later in the season.

Zilisch had a NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series debut for the ages. In September 2024, he won the pole at Watkins Glen International and led 45 laps to win the race for JR Motorsports. He made three more starts later in the season and picked up two more top-five finishes.

In 2025, Zilisch transitioned to JR Motorsports on a full-time basis to drive the team's No. 88 Chevrolet in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series.

Just weeks into the 2025 season, Trackhouse Racing tapped Zilisch to make his Cup Series debut in March at Circuit of The Americas. Though he crashed and finished 37th, Zilisch returned to the team twice more that season and recorded an 11th-place finish at EchoPark Speedway. 

In July, Zilisch earned the 100th victory for JR Motorsports in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. The win came at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during a stretch of seven wins in eight races. He also had a streak of 18 consecutive top-five finishes, besting Sam Ard for the series record.

However, Zilisch's dominant O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season didn't result in a title crown. He finished third in the championship race at Phoenix Raceway as Jesse Love bested him to win the series title. 

After just one season in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, Zilisch earned a promotion to the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing.