Teen sensation Connor Zilisch is the most hyped NASCAR rookie since possibly Jeff Gordon

The 19-year-old is set to make his Daytona 500 debut after a meteoric rise through the racing ranks

Feb. 5, 2026 at 7:55pm

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Connor Zilisch, a 19-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, is being touted as the most hyped NASCAR rookie since possibly Jeff Gordon. Zilisch has quickly risen through the racing ranks, winning at nearly every level, and is set to make his Daytona 500 debut on February 15th, just four years after attending the race as a fan in the grandstands. Comparisons are being drawn to other highly touted NASCAR rookies like Kyle Busch and Joey Logano, with some believing Zilisch's hype exceeds even theirs.

Why it matters

Zilisch's rapid rise and high expectations have generated significant buzz in the NASCAR community. As a young, talented driver, his success or failure could have a major impact on the sport's future and its ability to attract new, younger fans. His performance will be closely watched as NASCAR looks to cultivate the next generation of stars.

The details

Zilisch, a Charlotte native, started go-karting just 5-6 years ago and briefly considered a career in European racing before committing to NASCAR. In the last two years, he has won at nearly every level, including back-to-back victories at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring in 2024. Last year, he won a series-high 10 races in NASCAR's second-tier national series, though he was denied the title in the winner-take-all finale. Zilisch will race this season as teammates with Shane van Gisbergen and Ross Chastain at Trackhouse Racing.

  • Zilisch attended the Daytona 500 as a fan in the grandstands four years ago.
  • Zilisch won back-to-back victories at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring in 2024.
  • Zilisch won a series-high 10 races in NASCAR's second-tier national series in 2025, though he was denied the title in the winner-take-all finale.
  • Zilisch will make his Daytona 500 debut on February 15, 2026.

The players

Connor Zilisch

A 19-year-old NASCAR rookie from Charlotte, North Carolina who is being touted as the most hyped newcomer to the sport since possibly Jeff Gordon.

Kyle Busch

A NASCAR driver who was highly hyped as a rookie in 2003 and has since won five Cup Series championships.

Joey Logano

A NASCAR driver who was also highly hyped as a rookie in 2008 and has since won one Cup Series championship.

Jeff Gordon

A four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion who made his debut at age 20 in 1992 and is considered one of the sport's all-time greats.

Justin Marks

The owner of Trackhouse Racing, the team that Zilisch will drive for in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I would have to say Jeff Gordon, honestly. There was Joey and the whole 'Sliced Bread' thing, but I think straight-up hype? Connor is the deal and has already delivered. He's jumping in everything and performing at very high levels.”

— AJ Allmendinger

“He's just very mature, but there's definitely times when you talk to him and you realize, 'Oh yeah, you're 18.' Like, he's young, but when he's on track, he's very smart and understands how to go about it in a respectful way. He's got raw speed, he's got no fear because he's young, but at the same time, dudes like that are very temperamental. You hope a guy like that has the right environment, and it looks like a good environment for him with Trackhouse.”

— Scott McLaughlin

“I want Connor to succeed. If he succeeds, it's good for me. If I can't win, a Trackhouse win is really good. Definitely want that for Connor, want that for me and want that for Shane. I'm the one clapping the loudest when they're winning. I want to be right there competing with them and winning races.”

— Ross Chastain

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Connor Zilisch's rapid rise and high expectations have generated significant buzz in the NASCAR community, with comparisons being drawn to other highly touted rookies like Kyle Busch and Joey Logano. As a young, talented driver, his success or failure could have a major impact on the sport's future and its ability to attract new, younger fans.