Red Bull has not had a steady presence in NASCAR for several years, but the beverage company is moving further into stock car racing once again.
Red Bull has added driver Connor Zilisch to its sizable list of athletes. He joins fellow Trackhouse Racing driver Shane van Gisbergen, as well as all-around wheelman Scott Speed who previously represented Red Bull in the NASCAR Cup Series.
So stoked to be joining the @redbull family as a Red Bull athlete! This has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid and I couldn’t be more pumped. Let’s go!!! pic.twitter.com/l8z9tXlPAf
— Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) September 13, 2024
"So stoked to be joining the (Red Bull) family as a Red Bull athlete," Zilisch posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
"This has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid and I couldn't be more pumped. Let's go!!!"
The Trackhouse Racing developmental driver announced the news Friday at Watkins Glen International ahead of a double-duty weekend. Zilisch will compete in the ARCA Menards Series race while seeking his fifth win of the season. He has already celebrated in victory lane at Dover, Iowa, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, and Michigan.
Zilisch will return to the New York road course on Saturday for another busy day. He will make his Xfinity Series debut while driving for JR Motorsports and he will practice, qualify, and race for the first time in the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro.
Zilisch became eligible to compete in the series when he turned 18 in July.
Of course, Saturday's slate will only be a glimpse into the future. Zilisch has agreed to join JR Motorsports for the full 2025 Xfinity Series season. He will drive the No. 88 as part of an agreement between JRM and Trackhouse Racing.
While Zilisch has yet to compete in an Xfinity Series race, he has taken on another national NASCAR series. He has made two Truck Series starts this season for Spire Motorsports, the most recent of which ended with a crash.
The first start, however, created buzz in the industry. Zilisch won the pole at Circuit of the Americas in his first-ever NASCAR qualifying session. He then recovered after making multiple mistakes that sent him to the rear of the field. He crossed the finish line fourth.