Connor Zilisch, a 19-year-old rising star in NASCAR, has expressed that he does not aspire to follow the career trajectory of two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, who has competed in 730 races over 22 years. Zilisch, currently competing in the Xfinity Series and driving the No. 88 Chevrolet, has secured four victories this season and is positioning himself as a future leader in the sport.
While Busch sits ninth on the all-time Cup Series win list with 63 victories, Zilisch plans a different path, emphasizing a desire for diverse racing experiences rather than focusing solely on breaking records in NASCAR’s top division. His comments come amid speculation that a new American team entering Formula 1 in 2026 might open opportunities for him there.
“I’m not the guy who cares to win 250 races in NASCAR like a Kyle Busch or care to go for a win record,”
Zilisch said on the Stacking Pennies podcast.
“I want to win a championship here and I want to be successful, but I want to experience different series and different cultures and what there is to explore in the world of motorsports.”
Zilisch’s Championship Prospects and Career Plans
Zilisch is expected to start racing full-time in the Cup Series by 2026, having already made three starts in NASCAR’s premier division with Trackhouse Racing. At just 19, he is second in the Xfinity Series points standings after 19 races this season and could claim the series championship before moving up.
Since his Xfinity Series debut victory at Watkins Glen last year, Zilisch has shown his potential to become a championship contender. However, unlike many drivers who dedicate their entire career to NASCAR, he envisions possibly winning only one Cup Series title before exploring championship opportunities in other international motorsport arenas.
Looking Beyond NASCAR: A Global Vision for Racing
With the expected entry of a new American team into Formula 1 by 2026, Zilisch’s ambition extends beyond the traditional confines of NASCAR. His desire to compete globally and experience different racing cultures highlights a broader vision for his career that differs sharply from Kyle Busch’s long-standing focus within one racing series.
As NASCAR continues to evolve, drivers like Zilisch are signaling a shift toward more versatile racing careers, possibly influencing the future landscape of American motorsports and its relationship with international racing leagues.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where will Kyle Busch go in 2026?
A. CONCORD, N.C. — Kyle Busch will keep driving the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing until the end of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, according to an announcement made by Busch and RCR on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Q. Will Kyle Busch retire?
A. Kyle Busch has renewed his contract with Richard Childress Racing until 2026 and mentioned that he is not thinking about retirement. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion hopes to compete alongside his son Brexton in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, which is still six years down the line.