Connor Zilisch NASCAR Cup Series debut comes to scary end after hard wreck, fire

Expectations were through the roof for Connor Zilisch‘s Cup Series debut at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at COTA on Sunday, but disappointingly his day will likely end with a DNF.

Zilisch was caught up in a wreck in front of him, then his car caught fire while he was still in the vehicle, according to a report from The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck.

The issue occurred when Daniel Suarez spun out in the middle of the track, with Zilisch behind him and trying to get by. Zilisch flew to the right side trying to clear Suarez, but he couldn’t quite skate by.

He took heavy contact to the left side of his vehicle, sending his ride into the barrier wall.

After sitting in the car for a minute or two, Zilisch saw his ride catch fire. He was able to exit the car safely, much to everyone’s delight.

Unfortunately, it’s a bit of a disaster for Trackhouse, which might lose both Daniel Suarez and Connor Zilisch in the same incident.

That certainly won’t be the end for Connor Zilisch in the Cup Series, though. He is a road course prodigy and is seen as one of the best American motorsports prospects in years, regardless of series.

You can watch the collision below.

Zilisch POV: pic.twitter.com/IA5ZqnKTYw

— American Autosport (@americanautospo) March 2, 2025

Connor Zilisch had discussed his expectations

Ahead of his NASCAR Cup Series debut at COTA, Connor Zilisch was ready to get going. But what were his expectations today? According to the FOX broadcast, Trackhouse Racing would have been happy with a top-15 finish.

During a prerace segment with NASCAR on FOX, Zilisch talked about expectations.

“I thought the Xfinity debut was crazy. But yeah, winning on Sunday would be insane and definitely, greatest moment of my life,” Zilisch explained. “Fingers crossed, but yeah, no expectations for that one.”

Unfortunately, following the wreck with Suarez that is out of the question now.

On3’s Jonathan Howard also contributed to this report.