At just 18, Connor Zilisch is set to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), aiming to break Joey Logano's record as the youngest Cup Series winner. The ambitious young driver convinced Trackhouse Racing to accelerate his planned debut, driven by his goal to win before turning 19 on July 22.

"I want to try and become the youngest Cup Series winner," Zilisch explains, noting that he needs to win before his 19th birthday to break Logano's record, set in 2009 at 19 years, one month, and four days.

Zilisch will pilot the No. 87 car for Trackhouse Racing, sporting Red Bull sponsorship in its return to NASCAR. The COTA weekend provides a unique opportunity as he'll compete in both the Xfinity Series race on Saturday and the Cup Series race on Sunday.

His 2025 schedule is packed with commitments across multiple series, including:

• Full-time Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports
• Selected races in Craftsman Truck Series
• ARCA Menards Series
• CARS Tour
• Trans Am
• IMSA

Approaching his Cup debut, Zilisch maintains realistic expectations: "I don't expect to win, and I go in expecting to learn and pick up as much as I can from the weekend." However, he acknowledges the potential for success if the car performs well and he adapts quickly to the track.

Despite his ambitions, Zilisch emphasizes patience in his progression to full-time Cup Series competition. "I want to be prepared when I make that jump," he says, stressing the importance of proving himself in the Xfinity Series first. "I'm in no rush to get there, but obviously, that's not my decision. Everyone else around me has a better understanding of what that transition is like, and they'll know when I'm ready."

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