Connor Zilisch: The Next NASCAR Superstar Living at Home

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Connor Zilisch, a 19-year-old racing sensation, is set to embark on his rookie NASCAR Cup Series season at the Daytona 500. While he’s quick on the track, he sees no need to rush into independent living, enjoying the comforts of home with his supportive parents.

“I have no reason to move out,” Zilisch mentioned. “My parents are great, and I have the freedom to invite friends over as long as I keep things tidy.” His mother, Jan, ensures he enjoys home-cooked meals, while his friends often gather for fun in the backyard pool.

“At one point, it got a bit like a frat house,” recalled Jim Zilisch, Connor’s father. “With our bedroom nearby and the hot tub outside, we had to remind him about the noise late at night.” He joked about how Connor’s friends treat their home as if it were their own.

The Zilisch family is content with Connor’s current living situation. With the pressures of his rookie season looming, the support from home—including a stocked pantry and clean sheets—brings reassurance. “I’m still just a kid at 19,” Connor said, “so it doesn’t feel odd to be living at home.”

What is unusual, however, is his remarkable progress in racing despite limited experience. Connor, who started karting only at age 4, has quickly adapted to stock car racing, claiming 11 wins in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and posting 23 top-five finishes.

Now, he’s stepping onto the big stage, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing. Expectations are high, and owner Justin Marks believes Connor could become a major figure in NASCAR, likening his potential impact to that of icons in other sports.

Despite the weight of these expectations, Connor is well-prepared. His parents, who have always recognized his exceptional qualities, believe he can handle the pressure. “He’s always had an extraordinary presence,” Jim noted, reflecting on Connor’s journey from karting to now.