Connor Zilisch is about to take a big step in his NASCAR journey as he moves full-time to the Xfinity Series.
Zilisch, a development driver for Trackhouse Racing, will join JR Motorsports for the 2025 season. He will drive the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro as part of a partnership between Trackhouse and JR Motorsports.
He became eligible to compete in Xfinity when he turned 18 on July 22.
2025 starts now.
JR Motorsports is proud to welcome @ConnorZilisch to the No. 88 Chevrolet full time in 2025. pic.twitter.com/eI6HvWutGm
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) August 7, 2024
"This is an amazing moment for me and all the people who have helped me get to this place in my career," Zilisch said in a statement. "With so much support from Chevrolet and a chance to race in trucks and ARCA with Silver Hare Racing, I was able to sign with Trackhouse Racing and they went to work to secure an incredible opportunity for me.
"I am so grateful and can't wait to show their trust in me is warranted. It is mind-blowing to think that I will drive for JR Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., who is one of my heroes. I'm ready to put in the work."
Zilisch has yet to make his Xfinity debut. He will do so at Watkins Glen International on Sept. 14 as he drives the No. 88. He will return to the entry at Kansas Speedway on Sept. 28, Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 26, and Phoenix Raceway on Nov .9.
While Zilisch has not competed in Xfinity, he has already achieved success in a variety of racing series. He made his Truck Series debut at Circuit of the Americas in March and set a track record when he won the pole. He then overcame multiple mistakes that sent him to the rear of the field and finished fourth.
Zilisch kicked off his racing schedule this year by winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. He followed that up by winning the LMP2 class at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Zilisch has also won a CARS Tour race and four ARCA Menards Series races.
"Connor is such an impressive driver at this young age," Dale Earnhardt Jr. said in a statement. "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, Trackhouse Racing, and now JR Motorsports."