In the high-octane world of NASCAR, two names have ignited the chatter this season: Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealand road course ace whose impact in NASCAR has been electric since his 2023 debut, and Connor Zilisch, an 19-year-old rising star making waves in the Xfinity Series with early victories and remarkable adaptability. As SVG’s road course prowess is well known by now and widely hyped, the narrative about his potential as a multifaceted Cup Series contender has dominated discussions. However, a surprising voice now questions that established buzz.

Denny Hamlin, a seasoned Cup Series veteran and respected analyst, has offered a striking assessment of young Zilisch’s readiness and potential, an evaluation that challenges the elevated expectations surrounding SVG. Hamlin’s perspective comes not just from fandom but from someone deeply embedded in the sport, lending weight to this stirring re-examination of NASCAR’s emerging hierarchy.

Denny Hamlin’s honest assessment of who is better

Denny Hamlin’s recent commentary offers a comprehensive view of Connor Zilisch’s rapid ascendancy in NASCAR, positioning him as exceptionally prepared for the Cup Series, arguably more so than Shane van Gisbergen early in the season. Hamlin underscored that while SVG had an impressive debut and continued to improve, especially on road courses, his adaptation to oval tracks remains a work in progress. This oval experience gap, Hamlin argues, gives Zilisch a tangible edge.

Denny Hamlin said, “I would argue that he’s more ready for Cup than SVG was at the start of this season,” highlighting that Zilisch’s mastery over Xfinity Series competition is “wildly impressive.” He pointed to Zilisch’s ability to win on ovals as a key differentiator since many drivers struggle to transition from road courses or lower series to NASCAR’s heavily oval-focused Cup circuit. Hamlin referenced Zilisch’s recent oval race win at Pocono Raceway, a milestone that signals his readiness to handle the rigors of Cup racing on a broader variety of tracks.

Denny Hamlin also noted on his “Actions Detrimental” podcast that the statistical dominance Zilisch exhibits, stating, “If SVG does not run an Xfinity race, Connor would win these things by a f—–g lap… there’s nobody within six to seven tenths a lap.” This lap-time gap is significant, illustrating that Zilisch isn’t just competitive; he is in a league of his own in the Xfinity field. Hamlin emphasized Zilisch’s superior race craft as well, praising the young driver’s clean overtakes, consistent hitting of marks, and strategic manipulation of track position, all amid chaotic race conditions.

The contrast is also sharpened by the quality of teams and equipment. While SVG races for Trackhouse Racing, still adapting to full-time Cup competition, Zilisch benefits from JR Motorsports’ strong Xfinity platform, coupled with guidance from NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. as crew chief. This relationship further positions Zilisch with a strategic advantage in development and race execution.

Nonetheless, Hamlin acknowledged SVG’s growth trajectory, noting that the Kiwi driver is steadily improving on ovals, with better finishes and more confidence. However, Hamlin considers Zilisch’s combination of age, raw talent, and already developed oval racing skills to make him more versatile and potentially more successful at the Cup level sooner. Zilisch’s performances so far in limited Cup appearances further bolster Hamlin’s confidence in his readiness.

Hamlin’s assessment presents Zilisch as a nearly fully formed competitor ready to challenge established stars. His success on Xfinity ovals, skills on road courses, and resilience after a recent injury make a strong case that shifts the focus from SVG’s hype. Hamlin thereby encourages the NASCAR community to rethink potential breakout stars on the premier stage.

The fallout from sponsorship losses and the financial strain on Hamlin’s team

Following the recent legal battles over NASCAR’s charter system, Denny Hamlin and his co-owned 23XI Racing are confronting a significant financial and competitive challenge. In 2025, 23XI Racing faces the loss of six charters due to a court ruling, effectively jeopardizing guaranteed race spots and resulting in massive revenue losses estimated at around $270 million. This situation is compounded by an imminent loss of a major $21 billion sponsorship, a long-time partnership that sustained Hamlin and the team through much of their competitive endeavors.

Hamlin himself has spoken openly about the broader sponsorship crisis gripping NASCAR, noting how once-reliable long-term sponsors like FedEx, who supported his car for nearly two decades, have withdrawn entirely, leaving large gaps in funding. To keep racing viable, Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI are shifting to a model relying on multiple smaller or partial sponsors instead of a single anchor backer. While Hamlin remains competitive on track, the behind-the-scenes financial pressures create uncertainty not only for his team’s future operations but also for his own NASCAR career longevity.

Kaulig Racing, fielding cars for Josh Williams and A.J. Allmendinger, scores the $21 billion betting behemoth as a primary sponsor for Ty Dillon’s No. 10 Chevrolet at Gateway on August 12th and Kansas on September 28th. “I am passionate about delivering fans the best experience possible, which is why it is so exciting to be working alongside DraftKings. It’s an iconic brand that’s become synonymous with innovation and fan engagement, offering a responsible and entertaining way for fans to get even more invested in the action.” Dillon said.

The sponsorship and charter issues highlight NASCAR’s evolving economics, forcing teams to adapt to declining TV ratings and changing fan engagement. Hamlin’s insights reveal the challenges top teams face, pointing to financial strains that could impact driver development, team investments, and future competition at NASCAR’s highest levels.

Thus, Hamlin’s bold evaluation of emerging talents like Connor Zilisch comes at a time when maintaining competitive resources is increasingly difficult, adding new layers to the narrative about the sport’s future and the talents who will navigate it. The pressure on 23XI and Hamlin intensifies the stakes for both team performance and securing new sponsorships as they seek stability amid unprecedented financial upheaval.