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Kyle Busch makes comparison, gives words of encouragement to Connor Zilisch after DNF at COTA

JHby:Jonathan Howard•03/03/25•

Jondean25

Kyle Busch
Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Despite finishing a dead last, P37 at COTA, Connor Zilisch has received a slew of support from drivers like Kyle Busch. Everyone saw the talent that Zilisch has this NASCAR weekend. Not just in the Xfinity Series but the Cup Series.

Kyle Busch has a long and storied career. He made NASCAR create an age limit rule for the three National Series. Zilisch is the most hyped prospect in the sport since Busch or Joey Logano, both multi-time champions and future Hall of Famers now.

So, with Zilisch having a dead-last finish in his bright debut, Busch thought he’d offer a comparison and words of encouragement.

“Your future’s bright, I finished last in my Cup debut too,” Rowdy posted on X/Twtitter in response to Zilisch’s post of disappointment.

Back in 2004, Kyle Busch made his debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He did in fact finish dead last in the Hendrick Motorsports No. 84 car. In nine attempts that 2004 season, Busch failed to qualify for three races. His average finish in the six he did qualify for 35.16 – he only finished two of those races.

Connor Zilisch will have more Cup Series starts this season. Whether those come exclusively on road courses or if we see him on an oval or two remains to be seen. I suspect we will see Zilisch earn his first career top-10 in the Cup Series this season.

If Zilisch still feels down about his debut, he should go look at what Kyle Busch did in his 2005 rookie season. That year he won two races and made a name for himself immediately.

Kyle Busch falls short in strong COTA performance

While Connor Zilisch never had a chance to really race in the top-10 at COTA due to early issues on the track and then his DNF, Kyle Busch was up front and leading laps all race. COTA is a track that Busch has come to love, I think.

Busch has only one COTA race finish outside of the top-10. He led the most laps on Sunday but his right rear tire quit on him early and relegated him to fifth place overall. Down the stretch, the battle with Busch and Christopher Bell, William Byron, and Tyler Reddick was thrilling.

It would have been awesome to see Zilisch in the mix late. His lap times were on par with the fastest drivers in the race, but he had to essentially start in the rear after taking damage on Lap 1.

Kyle Busch sees the skill in 18 year old Zilisch. A lot of other NASCAR drivers do as well. While things didn’t work out in his debut, we are going to see a lot more of Zilisch this season and in the future.