Connor Zilisch recently shared his thoughts about adding another motorsport discipline to his extensive resume. Ahead of his rookie NASCAR Cup Series season, the 19-year-old addressed his childhood dream of racing in Formula 1.
Zilisch comes from a storied road course racing background and now has made his mark in the stock-car racing series. As he finishes off his Rolex 24 at Daytona stint, the Trackhouse Racing prodigy made his intentions clear about the possibility of running in the highest class of open-wheel racing. In a conversation, he said:
“That’s something I dreamed of as a kid. If I have a very successful first few years in NASCAR it’s not something I wouldn’t say no to. I love F1 racing but honestly, I love what I’m doing in NASCAR as well. It’s so much fun to get to race on the biggest stage in America. I get to do the Daytona 500 in three weeks for the first time. I’m certainly excited and infused in everything I’m doing in the NASCAR world, and it’s got my attention at this time with 38 weekends.”
So far, Connor Zilisch has found success in almost everything he has raced in. Moreover, his podium finish in the GTP debut is another feather in his cap. Furthermore, the North Carolina native was asked if he would race for Cadillac as this year the brand marks its debut on the grid.
“You never know, one day, if that opportunity comes about and I feel like I’ve done all I needed to do this side of the pond, I would definitely think about it,” added Zilisch.
After an impressive full-time season in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly known as Xfinity), Connor Zilisch will drive the N0. 88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing. He will join another road course ace, Shane van Gisbergen, and Ross Chastain as teammates in the premier stock-car racing division.
Connor Zilisch opens up on Indy 500 “bucket list” amid NASCAR Cup rookie season
Connor Zilisch has become one of NASCAR’s top prospects since his full-time competition in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. As he prepares for his rookie Cup season, Zilisch didn’t shy away from sharing his bucket list, which includes competing in the Indianapolis 500.
Speaking with the media ahead of his Rolex 24 at Daytona stint, Zilisch said:
“I feel like it’s pretty realistic to think that it could be a possibility, but a lot of it depends on how my first few years in Cup go. You know, if I do well and I feel like I’m in a spot where, you know, I can go and travel and do some things away from the NASCAR scene, then it could definitely be in play. But, yeah, it’s definitely on my bucket list. It’s something I want to do.”
Connor Zilisch will be live in action for the season-opener race at Daytona International Speedway on February 15.
