NASCAR rising talent Connor Zilisch endured a challenging and intense competition during the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on June 29, 2025. The 18-year-old driver, competing in his third Cup Series race, described his experience navigating the chaos of the 260-lap contest, revealing how gripping the steering wheel tightly helped him stay focused amid multiple wrecks and high pressure. This Connor Zilisch Atlanta race experience tested his composure and driving skills throughout the event.
Piloting the #87 Chevy Camaro ZL1, Zilisch began the race from outside the top 30 on the starting grid and ended stage one in 35th place. Early in the race, he carefully avoided a crash involving Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, and Bubba Wallace. His cautious but steady approach paid off as he steadily moved forward despite the turmoil on the track.
Making Progress Despite Trackwide Crashes and Near Misses
As the race entered stage two, Zilisch advanced to 13th place by skillfully maneuvering through a significant wreck on lap 69, which collected nearly half of the drivers on the circuit. He narrowly escaped a multi-car collision triggered by Denny Hamlin, continuing to demonstrate poise in an unpredictable race environment. He finished the stage just behind teammate Justin Haley.
Reflecting on the race during an interview with Toby Christie, Zilisch admitted to the tense conditions:
“Oh 100% it was, I mean, runs were just forming everywhere, our cars were on edge the whole time. Yeah, it was wild. I was death-gripping the steering wheel for 260 laps, and I’m going to sleep well tonight. So glad I was able to make it to the end without doing anything too stupid and spinning out. There was a lot of guys that spun out in front of me and almost ended our day, but yeah, glad to make it to the end.” —Connor Zilisch, NASCAR Driver
Despite starting from the back of the pack, Zilisch’s ability to identify openings and avoid the wrecks helped him finish in 11th place, marking his career-best result in the Cup Series to date.
Trackhouse Racing Expands Zilisch’s Schedule Amid Rising Performance
Connor Zilisch’s progress has caught the attention of Trackhouse Racing, where he competes part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series while also racing full-time in the Xfinity Series. After making his debut with a 37th-place finish at Circuit of the Americas earlier in the season, Zilisch improved his standing at the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, finishing 23rd. These performances led Trackhouse Racing to grant him two additional Cup starts for the remainder of the 2025 season.
“It’s awesome to have the opportunity to race two more times in the NASCAR Cup Series,” Zilisch said. “Nothing beats experience in this sport, especially at the Cup level. Thanks to everyone at Red Bull and Trackhouse for this opportunity.” —Connor Zilisch, NASCAR Driver
His third Cup start at what is now EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway) resulted in his best finish of 11th place, showcasing his rapid development. Looking forward, Zilisch is scheduled to compete at Watkins Glen International on August 10, 2025, marking his fourth Cup Series start.
Zilisch’s Rising Profile in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series
While making strides in the Cup Series, Connor Zilisch also maintains a strong presence in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, ranking fifth in the points standings with 526 points. Over 16 starts this season, he has earned two wins, eight top-ten finishes, six top-five finishes, and four pole positions. His continued success in the Xfinity Series underscores his potential to establish himself as a future contender at the highest levels of NASCAR competition.
As Zilisch gains more experience on prominent tracks and avoids the chaos that often unfolds in Cup races, his steady improvement and confidence behind the wheel are likely to translate into stronger performances. His ability to remain calm and focused amid the frequent wrecks at Atlanta highlights the mental toughness required to compete at NASCAR’s elite level.