Connor Zilisch is getting as hot as any other recent young superstar driver to make noise in NASCAR. He’s won three straight races, bringing his total to five during this Xfinity Series season so far.

His name is quickly becoming recognized as one of the best in the sport. And with that comes added scrutiny.

One question that Zilisch has apparently faced recently is whether he’d like to run the Indianapolis 500 at some point in his career. To that, he responded emphatically.

“I would love to race in the Indianapolis 500,” Connor Zilisch told the Indianapolis Star. “I grew up watching it on TV, and in my opinion, it’s the biggest race in the world, and as a racecar driver, you want to win those races.”

Zilisch certainly wouldn’t be the first driver to cross disciplines and attempt to run the Indy 500. Kyle Larson has famously done it the last two years. But it’s harder than he expected.

Larson was unable to complete the double in his first attempt in 2024 due to weather. After finishing the Indy 500 in 18th place, he was unable to make it to Charlotte in time to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series race.

This year he finished 24th in the Indy 500 after spinning out, then crashed out of the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte and finished 37th. After, Larson admitted he’s less gung ho on attempting the double again in the future.

But Connor Zilisch certainly has the talent to make it happen. In fact, his team owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr. of JR Motorsports, believes the racing world is only just beginning to get to know Zilisch.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. praises Connor Zilisch

The veteran former NASCAR driver and current broadcaster was quick to point to Zilisch’s growing success as a warning sign for NASCAR fans. They should know he’s about to blow up big-time, he said.

“Now, it’s getting out there. He’s in the conversation. But y’all ain’t seen nothing,” Earnhardt said on the Dale Jr. Download. “Like if this kid keeps doing what he’s doing and gets to the Cup level and starts replicating some of this success… they sky is the limit. Household name. Marketable. Oh my God.”

Connor Zilisch has already quickly become a favorite on the Xfinity Series circuit, with the JR Motorsports product producing on a weekly basis. He sits second in the standings in points, trailing Justin Allgaier‘s lead by only 21 points.

His five wins are a high in the Xfinity Series so far this season. The momentum is building at an incredibly rapid pace.

For the fans, Earnhardt suggested they’re in for something special. And the ones that are watching now are going to remember it down the road. Because Connor Zilisch won’t remain a secret for long.

“I guess maybe part of it is wishful thinking because we’re all like clamoring for that next NASCAR superstar that could take us to Saturday Night Live or get into the places where we don’t get, right?” Earnhardt said. “And become that national superstar in all forms, right? Entertainment, music, start seeing him in music videos and all kinds of shit, right? We’re all clamoring for that next person that drags us into the stratosphere with them. Takes the whole sport into the mainstream again. That brings the sport back to the level of attendance that we’re expecting and hoping for.

“And, yes, a single driver can have that type of connection. And I hate to put the pressure on the kid, but I feel like he’s got a shot at it. And I feel like right now we’re all listening to his song going, ‘Damn it’s a good song, but the rest of the world ain’t heard it yet.’”