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Newsweek
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Cadillac F1 Advised to Consider NASCAR's Connor Zilisch For 2026 Seat
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe has advised the Cadillac F1 team to consider NASCAR star Connor Zilisch as its driver for its debut season in 2026. Cadillac has been having discussions with several drivers, and given Zilisch's impressive racing background, he has been linked to the American outfit. Cadillac's entry into the sport was approved in March this year, and the team has been in full swing to get racing next year. However, it has yet to announce its driver lineup. The outfit has made it clear that it prefers experienced drivers, but it hasn't entirely ruled out rookie drivers who have the potential to make a significant impact on the grid. Former Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez and Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas have been strongly linked to Cadillac, and speculation suggests the team has shortlisted them for the next year. However, there has been no official confirmation. Hinchcliffe named five American drivers Cadillac should talk to, with Zilisch being one of them. The 19-year-old driver has been leading the Xfinity Series in points standings in his rookie year. He secured five race wins in the last eight rounds and is on his way to winning the championship. Connor Zilisch, driver of the #87 Red Bull Chevrolet, speaks to Trackhouse Racing team owner Justin Marks during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August... Connor Zilisch, driver of the #87 Red Bull Chevrolet, speaks to Trackhouse Racing team owner Justin Marks during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. MoreLinking him to Cadillac, Hinchcliffe revealed Zilisch's racing background and highlighted his ability to dominate different kinds of circuits. He wrote on "Zilisch had a promising road racing career going, winning in everything from Trans-Am cars to prototypes to stock cars. Without the financial freedom to simply choose the route he wanted to go, opportunities came up in stock cars before anyone in the open wheel world took notice – and that is our loss. "Competing full time in the Xfinity Championship in 2025 he already has three wins in the season, including his first oval victory. Given his road racing background it is incredibly impressive that he is now competitive on the types of track that a lot of the drivers he's racing against trained on exclusively on their rise to this level." Hinchcliffe added that if Zilisch was given a chance to compete in Formula 2, he could be race-ready for F1 in no time. However, it remains to be seen if this fits in Cadillac's plans. He wrote: "And that's really my point on Zilisch – he seems to be one of the most adaptable drivers that I've ever seen. Watching what he's done so far gives me the feeling that if he was given a proper programme in an open wheel car, and a season or two of F2 to cut his teeth, he could be F1-worthy in short order. And he has the time, because despite the impressive CV he is still only 19 years old." While Hinchcliffe does make a strong point, the chances of Zilisch securing a full-time entry in NASCAR's Cup Series next year are high.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Trackhouse Racing Withdraws No.87 From Cup Race After Connor Zilisch Fall
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Trackhouse Racing has released a statement on X, confirming the withdrawal of the No. 87 Red Bull Chevrolet from the Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International. This announcement arrives after Connor Zilisch suffered a massive fall while celebrating his Xfinity Series race victory. In Victory Lane, Zilisch attempted to climb the door of his JR Motorsports car while holding a Red Bull can in one hand. However, as he almost made it atop his car, he suddenly lost balance and fell on his head and shoulders. Connor Zilisch falls from his car after celebrating a victory at NASCAR Xfinity Watkins Glen — Franklin the Pump Dot Fun Guy (@PumpDotFunGuy) August 9, 2025 It seemed like Zilisch fell unconscious after the fall, but NASCAR reporter Dylan Welch confirmed that he was speaking to the medical team who took swift action after the incident. He said during the broadcast: "Connor is speaking, was speaking with medical personnel. Connor Zilisch, driver of the #87 Red Bull Chevrolet, speaks to Trackhouse Racing team owner Justin Marks during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August... Connor Zilisch, driver of the #87 Red Bull Chevrolet, speaks to Trackhouse Racing team owner Justin Marks during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. More"They were swiftly on the scene here. Both folks, right here in victory lane, and then the trackside medical group that drove the medical golf cart in. "They are loading him on a backboard right now and are going to put him on a cart, and I believe, are taking him to the infield medical centre just for more evaluation. "But I did get confirmation, he was speaking with the medical folks and that's the only thing we can say at this time." NASCAR also confirmed that Zilisch was conscious. A statement read: "Connor Zilisch has been transported to a local hospital for further evaluation following today's Xfinity Series race. He is awake and alert." Zilisch will be unable to race on Sunday, and as a result, his Cup Series team, Trackhouse, released a statement on X. It read: "Trackhouse Racing has elected to withdraw the No. 87 Red Bull Chevrolet from tomorrow's NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International. We wish Connor a speedy recovery." Zilisch also posted an update on X about his health condition. While the CT scans of his head are clear, he has suffered a broken collarbone. He wrote: "Thank you everybody for reaching out today. I'm out of the hospital and getting better already. Thankfully, CT scans for my head are clear, I just have a broken collarbone. Thankful for all the medics for quick attention and grateful it wasn't any worse." Thank you everybody for reaching out today. I'm out of the hospital and getting better already. Thankfully, CT scans for my head are clear, I just have a broken collarbone. Thankful for all the medics for quick attention and grateful it wasn't any worse.❤️ — Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) August 10, 2025 The 19-year-old driver has been having an amazing Xfinity season so far, as he has secured five wins in the last eight races and currently leads the points standings. With his racing return date not confirmed yet, it remains to be seen if the injury from the fall will affect his progress. But with the next weekend being an off-weekend for the Xfinity Series, the gap could offer Zilisch an advantage. The following weekend will see the return of the Xfinity Series for the Wawa 250 at Daytona International Speedway.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
NASCAR driver rushed to hospital after horror fall from car while celebrating as he's left motionless on floor
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch was taken to hospital after a shock fall from the top of his car while he celebrated winning Saturday's Xfinity Series race. Zilisch, 19, has reassured his fans that he is okay after being released from hospital but has suffered a broken collarbone. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Connor Zilisch was taken to hospital after a shock fall during his celebrations after winning Saturday's Xfinity Series race Credit: Getty 6 Zilisch climbed on top of his car to celebrate after the victory Credit: X 6 The 19-year-old lost his balance while on top of the car Credit: X 6 Zilisch got his leg caught in the window of the car as he fell to the ground Credit: X 6 He landed head first and appeared motionless for a brief period Credit: X The teenager tried to climb on top of his car after victory at Watkins Glen, but lost his balance as he stepped on the roof of the No.88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet. Zilisch got his left foot caught inside his car window and tumbled to the ground head first. The North Carolina native was initially motionless on the ground after the heavy blow to the head. Medical teams immediately arrived to tend to him and transported him on a stretcher to the trackside medical center. Zilisch was later transported to a local hospital for further evaluations but was awake and alert, according to NASCAR. He was released from hospital on Saturday evening. Zilisch updated his fans with his condition after his release, confirming that scans of his head have come back clear. He wrote on social media: "Thank you everybody for reaching out today. "I'm out of the hospital and getting better already. "Thankfully, CT scans for my head are clear, I just have a broken collarbone. Terrifying moment more than 20 cars are caught in huge Nascar crash following chaotic restart 'Thankful for all the medics for quick attention and grateful it wasn't any worse.' Trackhouse Racing later announced that they would be withdrawing their No.87 Red Bull Chevrolet from Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen as a result. A statement read: "Trackhouse Racing has elected to withdraw the No.87 Red Bull Chevrolet from tomorrow's NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International. "We wish Connor a speedy recovery". Zilisch led 60 of the 82 laps to win Saturday's Xfinity Series race.
Forbes
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Connor Zilisch To Compete In Coca-Cola 600 With Trackhouse Racing, Red Bull
Connor Zilisch, driver of the No. 87 Red Bull Chevrolet, walks onstage during driver intros prior to ... More the Nascar Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on March 02, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by) Red Bull is expanding its precense in Nascar once again. For the third time this year, the energy drink brand will sponsor a Trackhouse Racing entry. The team owned by Justin Marks announced on Thursday that Connor Zilisch will return to the Nascar Cup Series on Memorial Day Weekend to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 in the No. 87 Chevrolet with Red Bull as the primary sponsor. 'It's awesome to have the opportunity to race in one of Nascar's coolest events,' Zilisch said in a statement. 'The Charlotte 600 is one of the most prestigious races in Nascar. It's going to be a physical and mental challenge because that race is so tough. I'm very appreciative for (Trackhouse owner and founder) Justin (Marks) and everyone at Red Bull for their support and turning this opportunity into a reality.' Zilisch made his Cup Series debut at Circuit of the Americas earlier this year. He finished 37th after being involved in a crash. Red Bull announced it will have an expanded precense on Shane van Gisbergen's No. 88 Chevrolet throughout the season. After sponsoring van Gisbergen at Las Vegas, the brand will be on his car at Sonoma, Iowa, Daytona and Kansas. Until this year, Red Bull had not been a primary sponsor on a Nascar Cup Series car since Red Bull Racing shut down at the end of the 2011 season. The team competed from 2007 through the end of 2011, winning races with Brian Vickers and Kasey Kahne. Zilisch is competing full time in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports. He has already locked in a spot for the playoffs via a win at COTA. He has spent the first part of his rookie season honing in on his craft at oval tracks. Last weekend at Martinsville, he led 100 of 256 laps after sitting on the pole. Van Gisbergen, meanwhile, is competing for the Rookie of the Year Award, but he has struggled to adjust to full-time Cup competition. He is 34th in the standings after seven races, with four straight finishes of 31st or worse.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Zilisch made Cup Series debut with impressive and fiery weekend at COTA
Connor Zilisch had a fiery NASCAR Cup Series debut. Literally. The 18-year-old's impressive weekend at the Circuit of the Americas ended early when he couldn't avoid a spin by Trackhouse Racing teammate Daniel Suarez early in the final stage Sunday. The collision sent Zilisch hard into the tire barrier and the car caught fire as he climbed out. It was a frustrating end to an otherwise impressive race for a youngster who hopes to become the youngest winner in Cup Series history. He started 14th, dropped back after early contact with another car, and had worked his way back to the top 15 before the wipeout. 'You did amazing buddy," crew chief Darian Grubb told Zilisch on the team radio. "You did nothing wrong today. You did an incredible job driving way up through there.' The crash spoiled his race, but Zilisch wasn't about to let it spoil the overall experience of his race weekend. Zilisch won the Xfinity race Saturday and was among the Cup Series practice leaders. 'His race craft is really good for his age,' Trackhouse's Shane van Gisbergen said before the race. Had Zilisch stayed in Sunday's race, he might have had a chance to push for the win. 'We had a really fast Red Bull Chevrolet," Zilisch said. 'I had so much fun preparing for this event. It was a lot of fun passing a lot of guys I used to watch on TV growing up.' Zilisch has been pegged as a future star. He has won 16 races across seven different series since 2024, including a class victory at Rolex 24 at Daytona last year. His Xfinity series win Saturday was his second in that series. He started on pole and was forced to the back because of a pit lane penalty. Then he dominated the field in getting back to the front for the win. Zilisch is a development driver for Trackhouse. The team has not announced when he will race in the Cup Series again. 'Hopefully, I'll get another chance to do this again," Zilisch said. "I had an absolute blast driving through the field.' ___ AP auto racing:
