At just 19 years old, Connor Zilisch has been named the third driver for Trackhouse Racing’s Cup Series team for the 2026 season. Currently competing for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series, Zilisch is regarded as one of the top contenders for the championship. In light of his increasing fame, three-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano has shared valuable advice aimed at keeping the young driver grounded.
Logano, who made his own Cup Series debut as a teenager, acknowledged during a recent media day that Zilisch possesses skills beyond what he had at the same age. He cautioned Zilisch about the pitfalls of early fame, stating, “I’d say that the biggest thing is it’s easy as an 18 or 19-year-old to drink the Kool-Aid. Yeah, he’s a great driver. There’s no doubt. He can win a lot of Xfinity races.”
He emphasized the differences between the Xfinity Series and the Cup Series. “Cup racing is different. Everybody is great at this level. You can’t drink your own Kool-Aid too much to where you think you’re the next thing, and then you’re gonna get here and fall on your face. I lived it. I’ve been there,” Logano added. His message was clear: humility is crucial for long-term success.
Logano made his Cup Series debut on June 21, 2008, at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where he was only 18 years and 3 months old. Early in his career, he faced significant challenges, including being released from Joe Gibbs Racing. Nevertheless, he seized a second chance with Team Penske, ultimately establishing himself as a formidable competitor in the sport.
As Zilisch prepares for his journey in the Cup Series, he has signed a multi-year agreement with Trackhouse Racing. Team owner Justin Marks is dedicated to nurturing Zilisch’s talent at the highest levels of racing. Although Zilisch admires seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, he believes that learning from Logano will provide him with the most relevant insights, especially given their similar career trajectories.
In a recent appearance on the Rubbin’ is Racing podcast, Zilisch expressed his eagerness to learn from Logano’s experiences. “He made his Cup Series debut at 18… So, I’m curious to see what his mindset was, the mistakes he made, the things he went through that he wished he hadn’t. But I feel like that’d be cool to kind of hear about and see if I could learn anything from him,” said Zilisch.
Prominent figures in the sport, such as Jeff Burton, have noted the similarities between Zilisch and Logano. Both drivers exhibit a transformation when they enter their cars, displaying a more aggressive and focused attitude during competition. This competitive edge could be crucial as Zilisch embarks on his professional racing journey.
As Zilisch prepares for the challenges ahead, the guidance from seasoned professionals like Logano may prove invaluable. The balance between confidence and humility will be essential as he seeks to make his mark in the highly competitive world of NASCAR.
