MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Connor Zilisch is taking the next step in his promising young career.
JR Motorsports announced Wednesday morning that the Trackhouse Racing developmental driver and defending Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona winner will drive full time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025 behind the wheel of the famed No. 88 Chevrolet, beginning with the season-opening event at Daytona (Fla.) Int’l Speedway.
“Connor is such an impressive driver at this young age,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr., co-owner, JRM. “We’re excited for him to get behind the wheel full time next season. He is on a path to sure success with support from Chevrolet, Silver Hare Racing, Trackhouse and now JR Motorsports.”
A native of Mooresville, N.C., Zilisch began racing at the age of five and has since accumulated an impressive resume. The 18-year-old standout has won multiple U.S. national karting championships and set track records at six different venues in his first year in the Sports Car Club of America in 2021.
Zilisch also made his ARCA Menards Series debut in 2023, where he started and finished in the runner-up position. In January of this year, he signed a multi-year agreement with Trackhouse Racing as a developmental driver.
“With so much support from Chevrolet and chances to race in Trucks, ARCA and Trans Am with the support of Silver Hare Racing, I was able to sign with Trackhouse and they went to work to secure an incredible opportunity for me,” said Zilisch. “I am so grateful and can’t wait to show them that their trust in me is warranted. It is mind-blowing to think that I will be driving for JR Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt Jr., who is one of my heroes. I’m ready to put in the work.”
In March, it was announced that Zilisch would make his Xfinity Series debut with JRM on Sept. 14 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) Int’l. Additionally, he will compete at Kansas Speedway (Sept. 28), Homestead-Miami Speedway (Oct. 26), and Phoenix Raceway (Nov. 9).
Details regarding partners for Zilisch and the No. 88 team will be forthcoming.