JR Motorsports announces Connor Zilisch will run part-time Xfinity Series schedule

An exciting prospect is joining JR Motorsports for select races in 2024, as it was announced on Tuesday that Connor Zilisch will enter the fold.

The teenager, who helped capture victory in the 2024 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, will race at Watkins Glen International, Kansas Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Phoenix Raceway.

“Connor Zilisch will make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut on Sept. 14 at Watkins Glen International as pilot of the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet after his 18th birthday, the team announced Tuesday,” NASCAR.com reported. “Zilisch, the 2024 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona winner, will additionally race at Kansas Speedway (Sept. 28), Homestead-Miami Speedway (Oct. 26) and Phoenix Raceway (Nov. 9).”

That’s a huge get for JR Motorsports, as they look to continue giving talented wheelmen a shot in NASCAR. As the news was announced, JRM CEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller elaborated on the team’s excitement in a press release.

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Connor into the JR Motorsports family and to give him an opportunity behind the wheel of our No. 88 Chevrolet,” Earnhardt Miller said, via NASCAR.com. “Connor is an extremely talented young man and we can’t wait to see what he can do when he gets to the track with us at Watkins Glen.”

As for the racer himself, Zilisch added that it’s a “dream come true” to join JR Motorsports, and he’s exuberant regarding what the future holds for him and the team.

“It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to race in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports for select races this year,” Zilisch said, per NASCAR.com. “I have a lot to learn, considering that I’ve never raced in stock cars on the big tracks, but there’s no better team to learn with than JRM. I can’t thank everyone at Chevrolet enough for all their support in helping me get to this point, and I can’t wait to give my all to make the most of this opportunity.”

If Zilisch is able to make a name for himself in the Xfinity Series, it could translate to a full time ride in the future. Zilisch already has a multiyear agreement with Trackhouse Racing that he signed in January as a developmental driver banked, so he certainly has options moving forward.

Regardless, it’ll be fascinating to see how Connor Zilisch performs under the JR Motorsports banner when he gets behind the wheel of their car later this season in the Xfinity Series.