Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s podcaster details why Kyle Busch is responsible for Connor Zilisch not getting a Cup seat

The teenager racer is backed by many including Dale Earnhardt Jr. to become a NASCAR Champion.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s podcaster details why Kyle Busch is responsible for Connor Zilisch not getting a Cup seat

Kyle Busch, Connor Zilisch (In Circle) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Via IMAGO)

Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup series champion, is arguably one the greatest drivers of his generation. His early rise in the sport has made NASCAR to re-write rules many times and one such rule was the 18-year age limit rules for Cup drivers. Unintentionally, this rule has now backfired for the young NASCAR prodigy Connor Zilisch from making it to the Cup series.

The rule for a minimum was introduced in 2001 after Kyle Busch was kicked out from participating Truck Series race on his debut at California Speedway due to a federal law around tobacco product producing sponsoring NASCAR back then.

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So, in order to make sure such federal intervention doesn’t happen again NASCAR introduced the age limit. This rule hasn’t been changed for the premier tier yet and veteran spotter Brett Griffin has hilariously put the blame on Busch being too good at a young age for Connor Zilisch‘s misfortune.

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I'm mad at Kyle Busch right now because he is the reason that Connor (Zilisch) can't race NASCAR. Kyle Busch came in and they were like 'Whoa, whoa, whoa we gotta slow this phenom down' and Kyle Busch is and was a phenom. They were like 'We gotta make a rule how old you gotta be to run races.'
Brett Griffin said in the Door Bumper Clear Podcast.

Connor Zilisch gives his verdict on the age limit

The 17-year-old has a fair share of achievements amassed to his name. He is the only American to have won the FIA Karting Academy Trophy. Moreover, in the stock car racing sphere, the youngster had secured a pole on his first outing for the Truck series. However, not being allowed a promotion to the Cup series has taken Zilisch aback.

Connor Zilisch
Connor Zilisch (Via IMAGO)

The prodigy was not happy with the rulebook disallowing him to proceed further in his campaign. However, the young gun stated that he does not want the rulebook to change and accept youngsters in the series. Because he has already suffered a lot from this rule, it would be unfair for him to stay back while others can get up his chuff without any struggles.

That's one thing. I don't want it (the age limit) to change now because I've already been hurt enough by it. If it changes now, all it's going to do is help the kids coming up behind me.
Connor Zilisch said.

Despite the setbacks, Zilisch would be looking to join the Cup series as soon as he turns 18. Then, he would be able to showcase his worth on the grid and follow in the footsteps of Busch and Joey Logano.

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