Dec. 31, 2025, 12:50 p.m. ET
Connor Zilisch has a new home for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. Trackhouse Racing replaced Daniel Suarez with Zilisch, who will drive the No. 88 Cup car in 2026. In fact, the rising superstar has a multi-year contract with Trackhouse Racing starting in 2026.
Zilisch will be a full-time rookie driver, so expectations should be kept at a minimum. The former JR Motorsports competitor will be a Cup Series champion one day, but the NASCAR level is very difficult as a young driver. Zilisch will excel on the road courses, while the ovals will be his biggest challenge.
Thankfully for Zilisch, he will be able to lean on Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen throughout the 2026 NASCAR season. Zilisch won’t reach double-digit victories during the 2026 Cup Series campaign, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him enter victory lane with the No. 88 team.
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