NASCAR's Rising Star Zilisch Prepares for Daytona 500 Debut

Just four years after watching from the grandstands, 19-year-old Connor Zilisch is set to race in NASCAR's biggest event.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Connor Zilisch, a 19-year-old NASCAR prospect, is preparing for his Daytona 500 debut just four years after attending the race as a fan in the grandstands. Zilisch, who narrowly missed an Xfinity Series title last season, will be driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing in his first full Cup Series campaign.

Why it matters

Zilisch's rapid rise from fan to competitor in the Daytona 500 in just four years is an inspiring story that highlights his immense talent and potential in the sport of NASCAR. As one of the hottest young prospects, his Daytona 500 debut will be closely watched, with many eager to see if he can become the first teenager to win the prestigious race.

The details

Zilisch, a Charlotte-area native, grew up watching the Daytona 500 on TV. In 2022, at age 15, he attended his first Daytona 500 as a fan in the grandstands. Just a month later, he competed in his first Mazda MX-5 Cup race at Daytona, finishing fourth. Zilisch has since participated in the Rolex 24 at Daytona each of the last three years, including an LMP2 class victory in 2024. He also has Xfinity Series experience at Daytona, finishing 27th in 2023 and winning the August 2023 race, though he was sidelined by a collarbone injury.

  • In 2022, Zilisch attended his first Daytona 500 as a fan in the grandstands at age 15.
  • A month later, in 2022, Zilisch competed in his first Mazda MX-5 Cup race at Daytona, finishing fourth.
  • Zilisch has participated in the Rolex 24 at Daytona each of the last three Januaries, including an LMP2 class victory in 2024.
  • Zilisch made his Xfinity Series debut at Daytona in February 2023, finishing 27th.
  • Zilisch won the Xfinity Series race at Daytona in August 2023, though he was sidelined by a collarbone injury.

The players

Connor Zilisch

A 19-year-old NASCAR prospect who is set to make his Daytona 500 debut, just four years after attending the race as a fan in the grandstands.

Trackhouse Racing

The NASCAR team that Zilisch will be driving for in his first full Cup Series campaign, piloting the No. 88 Chevrolet.

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What they’re saying

“It was really cool to just be there and experience it. I never thought in a million years that I'd be racing in it a few years later. For me, that's one of the coolest parts about it. Four years ago, I was in the grandstands. Didn't even have enough connections to get myself into the pits. Now, I'm racing in it.”

— Connor Zilisch (News-Journal)

“I wouldn't say there's a whole new mindset, but there's certainly a newfound level of excitement going into it. It's definitely one of the coolest events that I'll ever participate in as a driver, and I think, for that reason, my first one is definitely going to be special. It definitely brings a lot of excitement. That's definitely one race that I'm looking forward to this coming season.”

— Connor Zilisch (News-Journal)

What’s next

Zilisch will make his Daytona 500 debut on Sunday, February 15th, 2026, shortly after 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

The takeaway

Connor Zilisch's rapid rise from Daytona 500 fan to competitor in just four years is an inspiring story that showcases his immense talent and potential in NASCAR. As one of the sport's hottest young prospects, his Daytona 500 debut will be closely watched, with many eager to see if he can become the first teenager to win the prestigious race.