Connor Zilisch will run four NASCAR Xfinity Series races with JR Motorsports in the No. 88 Chevrolet.
Zilisch will make his series debut on September 14 at Watkins Glen, two months after his 18th birthday. His other three races will be Kansas Speedway (Sept. 28), Homestead-Miami Speedway (Oct. 26), and Phoenix Raceway (Nov. 9).
“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Connor into the JR Motorsports family and to give him an opportunity behind the wheel of our No. 88 Chevrolet,” said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, JR Motorsports CEO. “Connor is an extremely talented young man and we can’t wait to see what he can do when he gets to the track with us at Watkins Glen.”
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Zilisch, 17, signed a multi-year development deal with Trackhouse Racing for the 2024 season. He is expected to compete in multiple racing series including the CARS Tour, ARCA, Trans-Am, IMSA and NASCAR national series events.
A North Carolina native, Zilisch began competitive kart racing at 5 years old and earned multiple U.S. national karting championships. Zilisch’s resume also includes the MX5 Cup Series, victories in the Trans-Am TA2 Series and Trans-Am Series TA class, and the CARS Pro Late Model Tour.
Zilisch made his ARCA Menards Series debut at Watkins Glen last season, and was part of Era Motorsport’s LMP2-winning line-up at this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona.
“It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to race in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports for select races this year,” Zilisch said. “I have a lot to learn considering that I’ve never raced on any big tracks previously, but there’s no better team to learn with than JRM. I can’t thank everyone at Chevrolet, Silver Hare Racing, and Trackhouse Racing for helping me get to this point, and continuing to support me into my future. I look forward to giving my all and making the most of this opportunity.”