Connor Zilisch's BIG NASCAR Hint: 2026 Cup Series Plans Leaked?!

Is Connor Zilisch dropping hints about his future in NASCAR? The rising star may have just revealed his plans for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, and fans are buzzing! While it's been a poorly kept secret that Zilisch is destined for greatness, his recent comments at Indianapolis have ignited speculation.

Zilisch's Watkins Glen Preview & Future Aspirations

When asked about his upcoming start at Watkins Glen, Zilisch gave an intriguing answer regarding "next year," sparking excitement about his career trajectory. Many believe Zilisch is almost guaranteed a spot in the NASCAR Cup Series next season, potentially with Trackhouse Racing, especially given reports of Daniel Suárez's departure.

Zilisch himself seemingly let slip his aspirations for Sunday wins in 2026, whether intentionally or not. He expressed a desire for more oval racing experience to accelerate his learning curve. "Honestly, I probably wish it was an oval for myself just because I could learn probably more," Zilisch said, according to CBS Sports. "You know, there’s no substitute for time on Sundays, but I would definitely learn more if I was racing at Kansas or Vegas or something like that."

Beyond NASCAR: Formula 1 Dreams

Despite his burgeoning NASCAR career, Zilisch still harbors ambitions beyond ovals and road courses. He started in karting and gained experience in Europe, initially aiming for Formula 1. That dream remains alive. "It's always in the back of my mind," Zilisch revealed on the Stacking Pennies Podcast regarding a potential F1 career. "Growing up it was my dream, I wanted to race F1... Now with an American team [Cadillac] being brought to F1..."

Zilisch's talent is undeniable. He's achieved victories at every level, including a notable win with Dale Earnhardt Jr. as crew chief, and a stunning performance at Sonoma Raceway against Shane van Gisbergen. Keep an eye on this rising star – the future of motorsports looks bright with Connor Zilisch!