Brent Crews, a rising star in the NASCAR Truck Series, recently announced the formation of his own Truck team, Brent Crews Motorsports, set to debut at Watkins Glen. Amid this exciting development, confusion arose regarding Connor Zilisch’s involvement, prompting Zilisch to clarify his position and dispel rumors about his role within the team.
While Crews launched his new team featuring Toyota trucks, a lighthearted comment during the announcement suggested that Connor Zilisch, along with Jesse Love and Jack Baldwin, would act as executives in the garage. Since Zilisch and Love are both Chevrolet drivers, the claim stirred speculation about possible cross-manufacturer affiliations, leading Zilisch to publicly address the misunderstanding.
Clarification from Connor Zilisch on His Role with Brent Crews Motorsports
Connor Zilisch, known for competing with Trackhouse Racing and Chevrolet, responded directly on social media to clear the air. He explained that the idea of him serving as an executive within Brent Crews Motorsports was a misunderstanding. According to Zilisch, his support for Crews is strictly personal and friendly, without any official or operational role in the new team.
Zilisch emphasized his continuing loyalty to Chevrolet and his existing commitments, confirming there is no connection to Toyota despite Brent Crews’ team running that manufacturer’s trucks. This public clarification was aimed at ending any speculation about a shift in his racing affiliations or deeper involvement with Brent Crews’ organization.
There was a misunderstanding in conversations with Brent’s new truck team and me being an executive. I’m excited to cheer him on as a friend next weekend at Watkins and I’m pumped to go for 4 in a row this weekend in Iowa with JRM, Chevy, and Trackhouse! —Connor Zilisch, NASCAR Driver
Brent Crews Addresses the Misinterpretation of Team Roles
Brent Crews himself stepped in to manage the fallout from the confusion, acknowledging that the suggestion of Zilisch and Jesse Love taking on executive roles was overstated. The 17-year-old team owner described the situation as a fun exaggeration but confirmed neither driver has any formal duties or position within Brent Crews Motorsports.
Crews reiterated that both Zilisch and Love are close friends who simply support him and his new venture. This clarification was important given the serious nature of NASCAR contracts and team affiliations, where misrepresented roles or manufacturer connections can lead to complications.
Connor and Jesse are great friends of mine, but we went a little overboard in exaggerating their roles. To be clear, they have no official capacity, other than they are friends who want me to do well. —Brent Crews, Team Owner
Context and Implications of the Confusion in NASCAR
Although the mix-up originated from what appeared to be a joke, the incident highlights the sensitivity and complexity of roles, affiliations, and manufacturer loyalties in NASCAR. Both Brent Crews and Connor Zilisch are young drivers who have rapidly developed their careers in the sport, and this episode serves as a reminder of the professionalism demanded within NASCAR’s competitive environment.
Teams and manufacturers guard their relationships rigorously due to contractual obligations and brand interests, so even playful statements can create misunderstandings with wider implications. The clarification from both parties underscores their awareness of these dynamics and their commitment to maintaining clear boundaries.
Moving forward, Brent Crews Motorsports will focus on its debut at Watkins Glen, while Zilisch aims to continue his winning streak with JRM, Chevrolet, and Trackhouse Racing, particularly targeting his fourth consecutive victory in Iowa. This incident may serve as a valuable lesson for all involved about communication in the high-stakes setting of NASCAR.