Connor Zilisch in discussions with JR Motorsports for full-time Xfinity Series ride in 2025

Connor Zilisch is in discussions to compete full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025 for JR Motorsports, Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal reported Friday.

“Trackhouse and JR Motorsports are in talks to elevate him to the Xfinity Series full time in 2025, sources told SBJ,” Stern wrote. “Sponsorship details could not be confirmed, but Trackhouse has a range of partners such as WeatherTech that could step up to defray his racing costs and enjoy in the exposure he will produce. It costs upward of $6M to sponsor an Xfinity driver for a season in a top ride. Both Trackhouse and JRM are aligned with Chevrolet, making it a brand fit from a car manufacturer perspective.”

Zilisch, 17, is a top prospect in the sport, currently under contract with Trackhouse Racing as a development driver. He’s competed across multiple circuits this season, including the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series and CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour.

Connor Zilisch dominant in limited ARCA schedule

Zilisch is scheduled to make his Xfinity Series debut in September at Watkins Glen for JR Motorsports. He will compete in three additional Xfinity Series races this season for JR Motorsports. Zilisch is unable to compete full-time in one NASCAR’s premier series this season since he’s under 18. The Xfinity and Truck Series allow drivers under 18 to compete, though only at short tracks and not full-time.

Zilisch has captured three checkered flags in five starts in the ARCA Menards Series East this season. His latest came at Iowa earlier this month.

Piloting the No. 7 Silverado for Spire Motorsports, he finished P4 in his Truck Series debut back in March. He also won the Rolex 24 hours of Daytona sports car race in January.

JR Motorsports currently fields four full-time drivers in the Xfinity Series: Justin Allgaier, Sam Mayer, Sammy Smith and Brandon Jones.