Connor Zilisch, a TransAm and CARS Late Model Tour standout, has signed a multi-year development deal with Trackhouse Racing, the organization announced on Thursday.
As part of the agreement, the 17-year-old racer will spend the next two years developing his craft by competing in select IMSA, CARS Tour, Trans-Am, ARCA, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and NASCAR Xfinity Series events.
Zilisch's first event as a Trackhouse Racing driver will come later this month, as he competes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship event at Daytona International Speedway, the Rolex 24, on January 26.
"I have watched Connor grow up 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 Virginia International Raceway a few months ago," said Justin Marks, owner and founder of Trackhouse Racing.
A native of Mooresville, North Carolina, Zilisch competed in the TransAm TA event at Virginia International Raceway in October, leading the race from start to finish, and extending his gap to more than 46 seconds, becoming the youngest winner in the history of the class.
The victory in October was just one small part of an amazing and diverse season of competition, which also included four victories in the Mazda MX-5 Series and five more victories in the TransAm TA2 class for Silver Hare Racing.
"This kid is an amazing talent who we wanted to be a part of the Trackhouse family," continued Marks. "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."
Zilisch also dipped his toes into the CARS Late Model Tour and the ARCA Menards Series in 2023, winning a Pro Late Model event at Ace Speedway in May, and making his ARCA debut at Watkins Glen, finishing second-place after dominating the event.
"This is a dream come true," said Zilisch. "I can't thank Justin [Marks] and everyone at Trackhouse Racing enough for giving me the opportunity. It has been a pleasure to spend the last two years racing with Chevrolet and I am thrilled to extend that relationship. I have a lot to learn, but I don't think there is a better place for me to learn than with Trackhouse Racing."
Additional details on the development plan for Zilisch, including a schedule of events, will be released at a later date.
Image Credit - Will Bellamy, Racing America
