Connor Zilisch, a rising star in the NASCAR scene, is entering the 2025 Watkins Glen race with a clear message: Trackhouse Racing is prepared to lead the pack. Having already made waves with standout performances, Zilisch’s upcoming appearance at Watkins Glen signals his readiness to challenge for dominance on one of NASCAR’s most demanding road courses.
Connor Zilisch’s Rapid Rise and Watkins Glen Success
The 2025 NASCAR season has witnessed several breakout drivers, such as Josh Berry and Carson Hocevar, but few have made as strong a statement as Connor Zilisch. His victory in the Xfinity Series at Sonoma, where he edged out seasoned road course specialist Shane van Gisbergen, underscored Zilisch’s growing reputation as one of NASCAR’s most promising talents. This win was not merely a trophy for the 18-year-old but a warning shot to the entire NASCAR garage about his potential.
Zilisch’s connection with Watkins Glen is especially notable. His Xfinity Series debut at the track in 2024 culminated in a win, marking a pivotal breakthrough that raised expectations for young drivers performing under pressure. Beyond that, he made his ARCA Menards Series debut at Watkins Glen in 2023 with Pinnacle Racing Group, qualifying second and leading most laps before narrowly finishing second. Those early experiences helped build his confidence and sharpen his road course skills.
Overcoming Adversity and Maintaining Momentum
Despite recent success, Zilisch’s journey has not been without setbacks. Notably, an incident at Talladega, where Jesse Love accidentally caused a wreck that sent Zilisch into the inside wall, resulted in hospitalization and a brief absence from competition. However, since returning on Memorial Day weekend, Zilisch has been nothing short of spectacular in the Xfinity Series, never finishing outside the top five. His string of results includes two wins at Pocono and Sonoma and three runner-up finishes, highlighting a striking consistency amid fierce competition.
On a recent NASCAR live podcast, Zilisch expressed high regard for Watkins Glen, stating,
“Watkins Glen is such a cool race track,
It’s always been fun, and I’ve had a lot of success there even before stock cars.
He credits Watkins Glen with helping nurture his early racing confidence, referring to it as a track I’ve always enjoyed. With a Next-Gen car entry at Watkins Glen in 2025, Zilisch will take on the added challenge of racing in the Cup Series while representing Trackhouse Racing, aiming to extend his proven road course credentials.
Stepping Up to the Cup Series Challenge
Zilisch admitted the Cup Series demands a distinct level of performance, explaining,
“It’s a completely different animal. Everybody is really good… those guys are on a different wavelength than what I’m used to.”
Despite limited Cup Series starts, he has already shown promise, notably slicing through the field at the Circuit of The Americas before an incident with Daniel Suarez ended his run. At his first Coca-Cola 600, Zilisch impressively finished all 600 miles in 23rd place, a solid showing that underscores his ability to adapt quickly to the highest level of stock car racing.
His confidence also stems from Trackhouse Racing’s strong road course program. Zilisch said,
“I have no doubt in my mind that the Trackhouse cars can win on road courses right now,”
adding,
“It’s gonna be up to me to make the rest of it happen.”
He acknowledged the inspiration drawn from teammate Shane van Gisbergen, who has secured three road course wins in the 2025 Cup Series, remarking,
“Obviously, Shane has shown that there in the last month… he’s won a lot of races lately.”
This internal competition within Trackhouse Racing is helping fuel Zilisch’s drive as he prepares for his upcoming weekend at Watkins Glen.
A Developing Rivalry: Zilisch Versus Van Gisbergen
The 2025 NASCAR season has seen an intriguing rivalry take shape between Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen. Both drivers have impressive road course résumés and have rapidly adapted to stock car racing, with Zilisch boasting three wins in the Xfinity Series and van Gisbergen matching that success with Cup Series victories, including a strong showing at Sonoma.
Their similar paths reflect shared strengths as road course experts with international racing backgrounds, which has added an exciting dynamic to NASCAR’s road racing scene. There is speculation that the rivalry may soon turn into a partnership, especially with Daniel Suarez departing the #99 seat at Trackhouse Racing. Van Gisbergen hinted at this possibility when he praised Zilisch, saying,
“He’s placing the car in perfect spots and drives amazing, and he’s an awesome young kid,”
and called him “the star of the sport.” He further expressed optimism about a potential 2026 teammate arrangement:
“If he ends up being my teammate or not next year, I hope he does, it’ll be a lot of fun.”
Watkins Glen: A Crucial Test for Zilisch and Trackhouse Racing
Watkins Glen is more than just another event on the calendar for Connor Zilisch; it is a critical proving ground. Coming off a win at Sonoma, Zilisch’s focus is on repeating and even surpassing his past successes at the Glen while showcasing Trackhouse Racing’s competitive edge. His previous experiences at the track and continued improvement place him among the favorites to make a significant impact in this challenging road course race.
The presence of Shane van Gisbergen elevates the stakes, transforming the race into a compelling showdown between two of NASCAR’s most talented road racers. As Trackhouse Racing prepares to field both drivers, the team appears set to dominate the Watkins Glen event, signaling a potential changing of the guard in NASCAR’s road racing hierarchy.
With his strong form and keen determination, Connor Zilisch’s return to Watkins Glen is poised to shift the balance in NASCAR’s elite road course competition, making him a driver to watch closely this season.