As we enter yet another season of motorsport action, there’s never been a time in the history of the sport that has seen as many young drivers as the modern era. From Max Verstappen making his Formula 1 debut at the astonishing age of 17 to Joey Logano winning a nationwide series when he was just a year older than the Dutch Lion, drivers at the top of the ladder are getting their motorsport starts from the very time they can walk.

And the case is fairly similar for the rising star Connor Zilisch. Not only has the 17-year-old showcased his tenacity in front of the world’s best kart racers in the CIK-FIA Karting Academy, but also delivered brilliant results in the Mazda MX5 Cup after bringing home four victories in 2022. But perhaps the biggest indicator of his soon-to-come success has been his performance at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.

Young Trackhouse star outshines the competition at the Rolex 24

After showcasing his ability to adapt quickly to the MX5, Zilisch got the opportunity of a lifetime for any racer, let alone a 17-year-old, when Era Motorsport announced he would be fielding their entry in the LMP2 Category. And in only a matter of time, the Charlotte native proved that age was just a number after all. As the sun rises over the Daytona International Speedway, Zilisch is comfortably in the lead in the LMP2 after three brilliant stints that helped Era Motorsport come out on top in the third quarter.

Witnessing all the heroics Zilisch was pulling off was none other than Bubba Wallace’s eyes in the sky, Freddie Kraft. The veteran spotter couldn’t help but share how unfathomable Zilisch’s raw pace was. He shared in a tweet on X, “Is there anything this @ConnorZilisch kid can’t do? Was already really impressed with his stock car performances. But now turn the #Rolex24 on to see him and his team-leading their class in his first IMSA race?!”

On the other hand, the LMP1 class is shaping up to be a classic showdown between Porsche and Cadillac. With time still ticking, Zilisch could surpass the already insurmountable achievement of debuting at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Only recently did Zilisch reflect on the endurance opportunity and stated that all the newness wasn’t as intimidating as much as it was exciting.

Speaking to media during the Rolex 24 media day, Zilisch showcased his race-winning mentality as he shared, “Every week is going to be at a track somewhere and it’s varying disciplines too,” He was quoted by the Daytona Beach Journal, “I enjoy years like this and getting in cars that are new to me and learning. It’s going to be different than last year, doing things I already knew. It’s going to be out of my comfort zone, but we don’t get better if we don’t step outside of our comfort zone.”

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So with Zilisch proving he can not only thrive outside his comfort zone but also turn pressure into motivation, the future is certainly looking brighter than ever. As for his deal with Trackhouse Racing, Justin Marks summed up the plan for the near future perfectly.

Justin Marks ensures the road ahead is well-lit for Connor Zilisch

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While Connor Zilisch was growing up as a kart racer, he had the privilege of crossing paths with Justin Marks. And soon enough the Trackhouse Racing boss would realize the youngster’s true potential after partnering alongside him in a few events. Marks shared in a team statement, “I have watched Connor grow from a youngster racing go-karts at the Trackhouse Motorplex to an up-close seat as he beat all of us in the Trans-Am race at VIR a few months ago.”

And since his karting days, the accolades just keep piling up for Zilisch. From a CARS Pro Late model race to almost winning at his NASCAR series debut during the ARCA race at Watkins Glen, the seventeen-year-old is only adding one win after another. And now, the plan ahead is clear for Marks. “This kid is an amazing talent who we wanted to be a part of the Trackhouse family.” He stated, “We are going to go slow with Connor and make sure he’s fully prepared as he advances in what we believe will be a long racing career.”

So with all the stars lining up to create the perfect path mixed with a range of experiences, Zilisch is well on his way to becoming a seasoned driver before entering his twenties! What are your thoughts about the 17 year old star in the making?

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