Connor Zilisch feels ready to get back behind the wheel for the final 14 races of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The driver of the No. 88 aims to end the season on a high note in what has been a struggle for the rookie in 2026.
Zilisch sits 34th in the points standings amid his first season of full-time Cup Series competition. The Trackhouse Racing driver has recorded a series-high eight DNFs and has only posted one top-10 result.
Despite the woes, Zilisch is looking forward to getting back at it, starting this Sunday at Iowa Speedway.
NASCAR rookie feels reset after off week
When speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Zilisch expressed gratitude in having the recent off week.
With the lows the former O’Reilly Auto Parts Series runner-up has faced in his rookie campaign, it was a nice change of pace to get away from the racetrack for a week.
“I definitely think that it’s good to get away from things for a little bit. It certainly helps kind of reset your mind and allow you to get away from it and getting away from it excites me to get back into it. I’m looking forward to it,” Zilisch said.
The 20-year-old admits that the weekly grind of the Cup Series began to take its toll. With the off week, Zilisch was able to refocus and get set for the final stretch of the season.
“I feel like once you get 14-15 weeks in a row, it eventually starts to wear on you and it’s good to have one-offs. It’s going to be good to get back behind the wheel this weekend and get back into the swing of things,” Zilisch said.
Zilisch entered the 2026 season with high expectations. After winning 11 races and finishing second in the NOAPS last year, many expected the youngster to take the Cup field by storm.
That has not been the case through 22 races as Zilisch has struggled to get up to speed. With an average finish of 28.1, there have been few bright spots in Zilisch’s first attempt at the Cup level.
Zilisch the current “lead candidate” to take over Hendrick Motorsports car
While Zilisch has struggled to produce results with Trackhouse Racing, rumors have swirled that the newcomer could have a different ride in 2028.
With Alex Bowman retiring at the conclusion of the 2027 Cup Series season, that leaves the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet without a driver. In a recent article by The Athletic, Zilisch is the current frontrunner to take the spot.
Zilisch signed a multi-year deal with Trackhouse Racing ahead of the 2026 season, but the details of the agreement were not disclosed. If Zilisch were to leave Trackhouse after 2027, he could have a clear path to HMS.
Corey Day currently competes in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for Hendrick Motorsports. Based on the connection, there is reason to believe Day is a contender to fill the role in 2028.
Zilisch has blasted through the NASCAR ranks in a quick period of time. He made his NOAPS debut in 2024, winning at Watkins Glen. From there, Zilisch dominated the series in 2025 on his way to the Cup level in 2026.
NASCAR Cup Series Rookie Feels Reset After Off Week Amid 2026 Struggles