Connor Zilisch Reaffirms his Commitment to NASCAR Despite F1 Dreams
NASCAR’s Connor Zilisch has confirmed that he will consider moving to formula one if the right opportunity comes in the future.
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Trackhouse Racing’s Connor Zilisch is one of the biggest talents the motorsports community has seen recently. He showed his prowess with a 10-win NASCAR second division season in 2025 and is set to make his Cup debut with the 2026 Daytona 500. But he doesn’t seem to be wanting to limit his career to stock car racing.
While talking to the media during the 24 Hours of Daytona broadcast, the veteran pointed out that he grew up dreaming about racing in Formula one and admitted that he loves both the stock car as well as open wheel racing series a lot. Hence, Connor Zilisch won’t say no to any big opportunities he gets with the two series.
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.
Connor Zilisch said via motorsport.com.
At the moment he is focussed on one thing, his rookie season in the premier stock car racing championship. He is looking forward for the 38-race weekend ahead of him with his team Trackhouse Racing and is preparing himself for the challenge with the big leagues as it will be most competitive field, he has ever been part of.
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.
Connor Zilisch added.
Furthermore, he pointed out that he has one big condition to make a move from stock car racing to open wheel racing. He wants to take up F1 opportunities only if he is able to succeed as a racer in NASCAR for the upcoming years. Zilisch wants to prove himself in USA before making move that could alter his legacy forever.
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.
Connor Zilisch asserted.
Connor Zilisch experienced the most miserable hours of his career at Daytona
The youngster and his Action Express Racing teammate produced a strong run to secure podium at Daytona 24. But there six hours in the race that was challenging for the wrong reasons. There was caution due to thick fog, forcing racers to drive only at 65 mph in the high-tech GTP car and Zilisch was behind the wheels for four such miserable hours. During this time, he even made a mistake that got the team 60 second time penalty.
Absolutely boring… Probably the most miserable hours I’ve spent in a race car…. We made a radio call and I got confused and made a mistake.
Connor Zilisch said.
Fortunately, the team was able to rejoin the leading pack and secure podium taking advantage of another caution. It was learning experience for the young racer and he will looking forward use the momentum he gained for his debut.
Also Read: Kurt Russell Set to Drive the Pace Car at 2026 Daytona 500
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