Connor Zilisch reveals expectations for NASCAR Cup Series debut at COTA

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

Now, as an 18-year-old making his Cup Series debut, a top-15 result would be really good. This is Connor Zilisch, though. He is a road course prodigy and is seen as one of the best American motorsports prospects in years, regardless of series.

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.”

Could we see the unthinkable with Connor Zilisch this afternoon? Is there a chance that he drives from P14 to win this race today?

They say the longest walk a driver can make is from the Xfinity Series garage to the Cup Series garage. When it comes to the talent difference it is immense. Still, with what we have seen from Zilisch in the last year or so, would it be shocking if he were to win?

There are so many great road-course racers now in the Cup Series. Simulator time and SMT Data have helped a ton of drivers improve. Shane van Gisbergen, Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, AJ Allmendinger, Chase Elliott, and more are all elite road course drivers. Those are just a few names.

Connor Zilisch taking on Cup Series at COTA

On Saturday, Connor Zilisch put on another masterclass in the Xfinity Series. It was not a pretty win. He had a pit road penalty for pitting under caution. Then he had to drive back through the field.

By the end of the race, Zilisch was getting sloppy. He hit Corey Heim off the track. He got into it with his JR Motorsports teammate Carson Kvapil. It was speed on another level, almost too much for Zilisch to handle himself.

I think the hardest part about today is going to be the first stage. Getting from P14 up to the front of the field is going to be very difficult. That first turn is going to be incredibly chaotic for the middle of the pack. Not to mention, there are likely a few drivers not happy to get beat by a newcomer, let alone an 18-year-old newcomer.

Connor Zilisch is about to embark on his Cup Series debut. He is going to introduce himself to the NASCAR world, and maybe even the sports world at large, with today’s race.