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Connor Zilisch to Make Cup Series Debut at COTA

  • Writer: Ford Martin
    Ford Martin
  • Jan 23
  • 2 min read

Updated: Mar 31




HIGH POINT, N.C. (January 23, 2025 ) -- Connor Zilisch is set to make his highly anticipated NASCAR Cup Series debut, driving the No. 87 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing at Circuit of The Americas. The team officially announced the news on Thursday, marking another major milestone in Zilisch’s rapidly rising career.


As a standout prospect and development driver for Trackhouse Racing, Zilisch will have primary sponsorship from Red Bull, which is making a major return to NASCAR. The global brand, known for its deep motorsports heritage, will also sponsor Shane van Gisbergen in five Cup Series races, reigniting its presence in the sport after previously backing Red Bull Racing from 2007-2011.


The 18-year-old Zilisch first showcased his skills at COTA in March 2024, making his NASCAR national series debut in the Craftsman Truck Series with Spire Motorsports. He secured the pole position and finished fourth, making an immediate impact. Later in the season, he won his Xfinity Series debut with JR Motorsports at Watkins Glen International, solidifying his reputation as a future star. Now, at just 18 years old, he becomes the youngest driver to make a Cup start since Joey Logano in 2008.


“I was surprised when they presented me my Red Bull helmet and hat last summer and doubly surprised when they told me I would make my Cup debut in the No. 87 with a Red Bull paint scheme,” Zilisch shared.


Looking ahead to 2025, Zilisch will compete full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, piloting the No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports. In his limited 2024 starts, he has already proven himself with three top-five finishes, including a fourth-place result at Kansas Speedway and Phoenix Raceway, along with his victory at Watkins Glen. He also earned a solid 12th-place finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway.


Meanwhile, Shane van Gisbergen is making the transition from Xfinity to Cup in 2025, embarking on his own rookie campaign with Trackhouse Racing. Van Gisbergen, who made waves by winning his Cup debut at the Chicago Street Race in 2023, is a longtime Red Bull athlete.


“I have enjoyed a lot of new experiences and met a lot of new people since coming to NASCAR, but it is nice to be joined by Red Bull, who has been a big supporter of mine for many years back home,” van Gisbergen said. “I’d love nothing more than to give Red Bull a victory as a way to thank them for joining myself, Connor, and Trackhouse Racing.”

Red Bull’s sponsorship will be prominently featured on van Gisbergen’s No. 88 car at key events, including Las Vegas Motor Speedway (March 16), Sonoma Raceway (July 13), Iowa Speedway (August 3), Daytona International Speedway (August 23), and Kansas Speedway (September 28).


“This is an incredible chapter in the history of Trackhouse Racing to welcome Red Bull back to NASCAR,” said Trackhouse founder and owner Justin Marks. “Red Bull is one of the most powerful brands in the world, and it’s an honor for us to embark on a partnership with such an iconic company.”



With Red Bull backing and a historic Cup Series debut on the horizon, Connor Zilisch continues to carve his path as one of NASCAR’s brightest young stars.


 
 
 

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