Connor Zilisch to make Cup Series debut at COTA with Red Bull sponsorship

Today, Trackhouse Racing broke the internet for the NASCAR world. Connor Zilisch is making his Cup Series debut with Red Bull as sponsor. A full, Red Bull paint scheme will be proudly displayed on Zilisch’s No. 87 Chevy this March.

Red Bull will sponsor Shane van Gisbergen as well as Connor Zilisch this season. It marks the return of the energy drink brand to NASCAR for the first time since 2011.

“I never thought I’d get the opportunity to race in the NASCAR Cup Series, let alone debut at 18 years old. I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by great companies like [Red Bull] and [Trackhouse Racing]. COTA is only 38 days away, let’s go!” Zilisch posted on social media.

I never thought I’d get the opportunity to race in the @NASCAR Cup Series, let alone debut at 18 years old. I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by great companies like @redbull and @TeamTrackhouse. COTA is only 38 days away, let’s go!👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/CDeihIJIG8

— Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) January 23, 2025

In 2024, Connor Zilisch set the Truck Series qualifying record at COTA. He would later go on to win in his Xfinity Series debut at Watkins Glen. When it comes to road course racing, he may be the most talented driver in all of NASCAR, even more than his teammate SVG.

The things that Zilisch has already accomplished at his age are impressive. He has won the Daytona 24 Hours, Sebring 12 Hours, ARCA races, CARS Tour race, Xfinity, and just about everything he has raced in.

Even better, his skills on an oval are more or less on par with other talented drivers his age. He’s a unicorn, and he will make his Cup Series debut in just over a month from now.

Connor Zilisch adds to Trackhouse Racing hype

Between Ross Chastain, Daniel Suárez, Shane van Gisbergen, and Connor Zilisch – Trackhouse Racing has the best lineup in the sport. Let’s be honest. They have personality and brand identity, and each of these drivers is super talented.

Chastain is the blue-collar, Busch Light guy. The watermelon farmer. Suárez is the Mexican superstar and former Xfinity Series champion. He is one of the best personalities in the garage. SVG and his road course dominance and the way he blew up on the NASCAR scene; are the stuff of legend.

Then you have Zilisch. He appears to be the superstar that not only NASCAR needs but that American motorsports needs. He has gone to Europe and beaten the top drivers his age over there in karting. Zilisch wants to become the youngest Cup champion ever, and making his debut at 18 is a good way to start.

Connor Zilisch and Trackhouse Racing have a bright future ahead of them. With Red Bull joining NASCAR again, the sky is the limit for this organization.