Connor Zilisch will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut Sunday in the Circuit of the Americas (1:30 p.m. CT, FOX). Zilisch started racing go-karts when he was five. He moved up to the ARCA Menards Series in 2023 and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity Series in 2024.

Connor Zilisch debuts in NASCAR Cup at COTA, aiming to compete, learn—and he hopes—become the series youngest winner with his road course success.

The NASCAR Cup Series is headed to the storied Austin track, Circuit of the Americas, this week. The road course has plenty of drama on its own, but changes to the track this year, some bubbling beef in the garage and an 18-year-old phenom’s debut make this Sunday’s race a must-see event.

NASCAR Xfinity Series' Connor Zilisch gets the pole position after Friday night’s qualifying session for Saturday's Focused Health 250 at COTA.

The Athletic asks the same 12 questions to a different race car driver. Up next: Connor Zilisch, the 18-year-old phenom who will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut this weekend at Circuit of the Americas while driving for Trackhouse Racing.

Connor Zilisch made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with a 27th-place finish at the United Rentals 300 in Daytona. Now, he is set to make his Cup Series debut next month under the label of Trackhouse Racing.

What were you doing at the age of 18? Chances are you weren't preparing for a debut in the NASCAR Cup Series. That's where Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing's y