Trackhouse announces Connor Zilisch as full-time NASCAR Cup driver for 2026, two anchor sponsors

Connor Zilisch is stepping up. He will run full-time for Trackhouse in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, the organization announced Saturday.

Trackhouse also announced Red Bull and WeatherTech will be the anchor sponsors for Zilisch next season. More details – including car number, team and crew chief – will be announced “in the coming weeks,” according to a press release.

Zilisch has become one of the top prospects in NASCAR history after moving to compete professionally in 2021 and joining Trackhouse in 2024 as a developmental driver. He called the new “a dream of mine for a long time” as he announced a multi-year deal.

“Cup racing has been the goal since joining with Chevrolet and Trackhouse, and while I didn’t know it would come this soon, I feel like I’m ready,” Zilisch said in a statement. “I know the challenge that awaits entering the Cup Series as a full-time driver, but I feel that with the support of Trackhouse and Chevrolet, this is the right situation for me. I won’t be making any predictions for success next year. All I promise is to put in 100 percent effort, learn all that I can, plus have a little bit of fun along the way!”

Zilisch is competing for JR Motorsports this season and leads the Xfinity Series with six wins. Before turning professional, he raced 10 years as a competitive go kart driver. That includes time in Europe when he was 11 years old.

Trackhouse owner Justin Marks also released a statement on the agreement, which makes Zilisch part of a three-car team. He cited the 19-year-old’s rising stature in the NASCAR space as a reason for excitement to bring him aboard full-time.

“Connor is a rare talent that comes along every few decades,” Marks said in a statement. “I have watched Connor grow from a kid racing go-karts at the Trackhouse Motorplex to an up-close seat as he beat all of us in the Trans Am races a few years ago. He quickly adapted to everything we have put him in, and what he is doing with JR Motorsports in Xfinity this season is historic.

“Connor is very mature, poised, and I know ready for Cup racing in 2026. He’s been mentored along the way by former racer Josh Wise and Dr. Eric Warren at General Motors. I can speak for everyone at Trackhouse Racing when I say we have a tremendous amount of faith in this young man.”