Kevin Harvick asserts Trackhosue “struck gold” with Connor Zilisch
Kevin Harvick has high hopes for the young Trackhosue Racing development driver Connor Zilisch who is set to race for JRM in 2025.
Connor Zilisch and Kevin Harvick (Via IMAGO)
Connor Zilisch is one of the biggest talents coming up the NASCAR ladder. He is believed to be someone capable replicating the same level of versatility like 2021 Cup champion Kyle Larson. He recently took the next-big step of his career, after signing with JR Motorsports to drive the No:88 Chevy from 2025 and beyond.
Ex-Cup champion Kevin Harvick shared his verdict on Connor Zilisch’s move to JRM. He pointed out that the racing is going to hard for youngster in the next step of competition. The ex-SHR driver reckons Zilisch needs to learn about communicating with the team before making the big step in racing.
As we saw in the Truck race this week, it’s gonna get harder. But Connor is a great talent. Now, it’s gonna be that next step of competition which always comes with, ‘Alright, I can drive fast, but now how do I communicate with my team in order to let them understand what they need in the car to direct the car to be as fast as it can.’Kevin Harvick said via Happy Hour podcast.
He went on to point out that Trackhouse signing Conor Zilisch earlier in his career as a development driver was like striking the gold. They have a driver with natural ability to win races, but it needs refining and that’s where Trackhosue should invest before giving him a Cup seat.
So, I think with Trackhouse having Connor Zilisch, I mean they just have struck gold. I think for them, they have a talent that is something you can’t teach. He’s got this natural ability to go out there and drive.Kevin Harvick added.
Kevin Harvick reveals Connor Zilisch’s father didn’t have plans to make him a racer
The veteran racer had a lot to play in the early success of Connor Zilisch’s racing career as he supported the youngster financially as well as using his connections to get him opportunities. He was also the one that convinced Zilisch’s dad to let him race more, as their initial plan was go to college and race less.
I actually saw Connor Zilisch race when Keelan started racing go-karts. And I had a great conversation with his dad. And I said, ‘Hey what are your plans for Connor?’ And he said, ‘Well, I think I’m gonna send Connor off to college and I think we’ll go out and just have fun with the Spec Miata and just get him through school.’ And I said, ‘I think that is an utter mistake. I think that you should at least give him some time to give him a shot at going down a path.Kevin Harvick said.
Just like Harvick, many racing fans have huge hopes for the rising talent and are excited to see what he can do in the top tier of the sport. It would be interesting to see how the youngster would perform in Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team.
In case you missed it:
Justin P Joy
(4885 Articles Published)