Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin has offered high praise for Trackhouse Racing prodigy Connor Zilisch, dubbing him a “sure-fire thing” as he evaluates the youngster’s potential in NASCAR’s future.
The 2024 NASCAR season saw Zilisch, a rising star in the sport, make waves with his stellar performances. After debuting in the Truck and Xfinity Series, he secured a maiden NASCAR victory at Watkins Glen, stunning the garage with his poise and skill. This breakout success has earned him a full-time Xfinity seat with JR Motorsports for 2025, driving the No. 88 Chevy.
Hamlin’s Assessment of Zilisch’s Potential
Hamlin, one of NASCAR’s most experienced drivers, believes Zilisch has what it takes to excel against seasoned competitors in the Xfinity Series, particularly given his impressive oval racing experience.
“I’d say it’s probably a sure-fire thing, just because he’s got enough experience on ovals,” Hamlin explained. “He’s not as dominant on ovals as he is on road courses, but he’s still very competitive, even against veterans who’ve been in the game for quite some time.”
While Hamlin acknowledges that Zilisch may not dominate the Xfinity Series outright, he predicts a strong debut season, setting a realistic goal of four to five wins for the youngster.
“Will he go win 12 races next year in Xfinity? No, I don’t think so,” Hamlin admitted. “But could he win four or five? Absolutely. Considering the car he’s in and his capabilities, that’s a very feasible goal.”
Zilisch vs. Shane van Gisbergen (SVG)
Hamlin also compared Zilisch to New Zealand’s road course ace Shane van Gisbergen (SVG), another talent generating buzz in NASCAR. While both drivers shine on road courses, Hamlin gave Zilisch the edge for his versatility and adaptability on ovals.
“Connor’s got a leg up on SVG,” Hamlin said. “I think he’s more well-versed in ovals than what SVG is. When you look at their capabilities on road courses, I consider them equals. But in terms of overall versatility, Connor has the advantage.”
What Lies Ahead for Zilisch
With Zilisch stepping into JR Motorsports’ powerhouse No. 88 team, expectations are high. Hamlin emphasized the team’s track record of success and believes Zilisch’s road course prowess, combined with his growing expertise on ovals, makes him a future Cup Series contender.
“Once Connor gets to the Cup Series, he’ll surely be a championship contender and one of the drivers to beat every week,” Hamlin asserted.
As the NASCAR world keeps a close eye on Zilisch, the question remains not if he’ll ascend to the top tier, but when. His journey promises to add another layer of excitement to the sport’s future.