Dale Earnhardt Jr recently announced the name of his new driver, Connor Zilisch, who will pilot his #88 JR Motorsports Chevy in the Xfinity Series. The phenom who also won the 2024 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in the LMP2 category, will be the latest to the list of teen sensations being launched from Junior’s organization in the Xfinity Series. Zilisch, who isn’t even 18 yet, has bagged a massive opportunity, driving for one of the best teams in the promotion. And even the driver himself is aware of that as he spoke at length about what the promotion meant to him.

Connor Zilisch gears up for his Xfinity Series debut with JRM in the #88 car of Dale Earnhardt Jr

Like many others before him, including the six-time Most Popular Driver winner and 2020 Cup Series champion Chase Elliott, 17-year-old Connor Zilisch is also set to launch his NASCAR Xfinity career with Dale Jr’s organization. The young one will make his NXS debut on September 14 at Watkins Glen International, piloting the #88 Chevy after he turns 18. Revealing his excitement on the induction, the 17-year old driver, during an appearance on The Dale Jr Download podcast said:

“Yeah, it’s really exciting for me. Honestly, dream come true to be able to race for you know, it seemed like JRM and all the success that they’ve had in the past and the people that I’m going to get to learn from,” said the driver thrilled about the development.

He added, “It kind of sucks that I got to wait, you know, five or six months before I can race after announcing it, but I can’t change my birthday, so I just going to have to wait, but yeah, it’s really exciting and you know I’ve got a lot to look forward to working with the #88 crew and you know everyone that’s a part of it so hopefully I can make the most of it.” 

Zilisch made his ARCA Menards Series in 2023 at the same track where he is slated to make his Xfinity Series. He started the race second and finished his debut as the runner-up, proving his worth and showing that the move up to ARCA did not overwhelm him in any manner. Now after a few months of signing a development deal with Trackhouse Racing courtesy of Chevrolet, Zilisch is handed the responsibility to take the JRM Chevy to the victory lane not in one but four occasions – Watkins Glen on September 14th, in Kansas two weeks after his debut, in Homestead-Miami on October 26 and Phoenix on November 9.

However, it isn’t just Dale Jr and Zilisch who can’t keep their excitement under wraps as other JRM executives also shared their hopes for the deal.

JRM CEO relays her delight to sign the phenom

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If there’s one thing JRM is known for, it is scrounging for hot talents, bringing them to the surface, and showcasing them to the whole world. Josh Berry, Noah Gragson, Tyler Reddick, and Chase Elliott were all part of JRMduring the initial days of their career. In fact, Junior’s organization is more of a perfect launchpad for talents, grooming them to be the champions of tomorrow.

As it seems, Connor Zilisch is the latest on the list of big names, getting a chance to be a part of the organization in his teenage years. Reflecting on the youngster’s signing, Kelly Earhardt Jr, Dale Jr’s elder sister said, “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. 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.”

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Now, as per the rules and stipulations, the young gun will have to wait till his 18th birthday, to be legally allowed to compete in the series and hence the late-season debut. Are you excited to see him on the track?