- - NASCAR Fans Speculate Connor Zilisch’s Racing Future Amid Testing Rumors

Jahnavi SonchhatraOctober 31, 2025 at 2:25 AM

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NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Xfinity: NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Dover Jul 19, 2025 Dover, Delaware, USA NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch stands on pit road prior to the BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway. Dover Dover Motor Speedway Delaware USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMatthewxO Harenx 20250719_cec_bm2_138 ©IMAGO/Imagn Images

Connor Zilisch seems to be making some serious moves that are shaking up the NASCAR world. As the 19-year-old locked himself in the Championship 4 at Las Vegas, the JR Motorsports driver is more than determined to claim the title in the day after’s Phoenix race. But in a fleeting moment, Zilisch ended up revealing something that could alter his NASCAR career.

It all started with Connor Zilisch revealing his new spot for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. While speaking to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Zilisch accidentally mentioned during a press conference that Stefan Parsons will take on spotting duties for his upcoming stint with Trackhouse Racing. But that is not what is drawing eyeballs.

Connor Zilisch reveals his secret testing scenes outside the country

Parsons, known for his dual role as a part-time driver and spotter, previously guided the No. 7 Spire Motorsports entry in the Cup Series. Now, he will team up with one of NASCAR’s fastest rising stars next year, but that is currently taking a backseat in the mind of the NASCAR community. As noted by Bob on X, the NASCAR reporter also mentioned that Zilisch told another source the 19-year-old will be in a car next week, testing for the team outside the USA, but didn’t reveal anything else.

And for those who know Connor well, one may speculate that he would be testing for Formula One. Two months ago, Zilisch had picked up five race wins at that time, and by then, Trackhouse had already revealed that he would be joining Trackhouse Racing in the following season. But the 19-year-old rookie didn’t rule out F1.

Speaking on Corey LaJoie’s Stacking Pennies podcast, the JR Motorsports driver delved into his love for F1 and set out ideal timelines for a potential move to open-wheel racing.

He said, “It’s always in the back of my mind. Growing up, it was my dream; I wanted to race in F1. I went to Europe when I was a kid, racing go-karts; it’s what I wanted to do. It’s just that when I was younger, I didn’t really have the chance. Now with an American team [Cadillac] being brought to F1, having connections with Red Bull and being kinda tied in there, I’d say the chances aren’t zero.”

Early starts and international success mark Zilisch’s go-karting career. He began racing go-karts at the age of five and spent a decade in the karting ranks before moving into stock cars in 2021.

At just 11 years old, the youngster went to Europe and won the Mini ROK World Championship in Italy in 2017, competing against over 160 drivers from 33 countries, and with his Red Bull backing, anything could be possible. But now that Cadillac is joining F1 as the 11th team on the grid, this may happen over time, but certainly not in 2026.

With Zilisch’s Cup ride confirmed and the seats at Cadillac complete, Finnish and ex-Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 driver Valtteri Bottas is stepping in. Mexican F1 driver Sergio Perez is in the mix. However, the reserve drivers haven’t been announced yet, and that could be Zilisch’s shot.

Speaking on the podcast, he charted out his plan, adding, ” If it were to happen, I’d have to go over there for at least a year, two years probably, to even get enough Super License points to qualify. I’d run F3… I’d just run a bunch of BS series to get Super License points. Middle East F3, random things that you can do to get the points. That’s why it would be such a big commitment. I’d want to get settled in here first and know that if I go over there for two years, I could come back and still have a job. ”

But for now, his Xfinity title hangs in the balance. The 19-year-old rookie has collected a series-leading 10 wins, earned eight pole positions, and posted an average finish of 8.2 in 31 races. Indeed, analysts describe his campaign as historically dominant. Still, despite the overwhelming statistics, there are voices in the sports world urging caution.

Dale Jr. recently noted that while the young ace has the most wins, veterans and title contenders such as Justin Allgaier bring more experience, especially at tracks like Phoenix Raceway, where the championship will be decided.

And although Zilisch looks like the favorite, he will definitely have to battle it out. And an Xfinity title will definitely look shiny on his resume. But the fans are definitely holding onto his testing that he mentioned.

NASCAR fans rally behind Zilisch’s F1 connection

Speculations are running wild after whispers of Connor Zilisch’s secret test session surfaced online. Fans immediately began connecting the dots, and one confidently suggested, “F1 test session. It’s been rumored before—basically, one of those they put on their YouTube channel at Red Bull. Put him in the RB6 for a few laps. That’s my guess.” The theory connects to Zilisch’s Red Bull ties and his known interest in open-wheel racing, with the RB6 often used for promotional runs that don’t require FIA approval, making this a plausible scenario.

Others weren’t so sure, tossing out alternative theories like, “V8 Supercars?” or wondering if “Does anyone get the sense Connor won’t be with us in NASCAR for long? I feel like he’s gonna be awesome in the Cup Series and then F1 will come knocking.” These fans believe Zilisch’s versatility and talent could propel him beyond NASCAR. With Trackhouse Racing expanding globally, a crossover into V8 Supercars or international testing seems within reach, further fueling curiosity about his next step.

Some took a more technical view, writing, “It would be a private session in Europe at either Silverstone or the Red Bull Ring. Not anything to do with this week’s race.” Others asked, “Does he get any for IMSA?” These comments highlight the logistical and regulatory angle of Zilisch’s potential test. Silverstone and the Red Bull Ring are frequent Red Bull testing venues, and fans are assessing whether his IMSA experience or upcoming Xfinity title could help him meet FIA Super License point requirements.

The most detailed explanation came from a fan who broke down the rules, saying, “15 points needed to partake in a Free practice test session (40 for races). He currently has 3 karting points over the last 5 years, as opposed to the 3. If he wins the tile this weekend, it will add 10. ARCA does not give points, nor does the CARS Tour/Mazda MX-5. However, this can all be avoided if they do a TPC(Testing of Previous Car) or have a ‘Filming day’… Considering Gene Haas drove a car this year at Goodwood, I don’t think it would be an issue.” This detailed comment shows an understanding of FIA’s licensing system, explaining that Zilisch could legally test a former F1 car without needing a Super License if it’s done under a TPC or filming exemption, much like other high-profile demo runs.

Still, not everyone was convinced. With F1 heading to Brazil for a sprint weekend, one fan argued, “Sprint weekend. No way in hell is any team giving up the only FP session for the driver.” Given the packed format with just one practice before qualifying, such a test during race week is unlikely. This has led many to believe that any Zilisch-related session would take place off-calendar, further deepening the mystery of exactly what the young star has planned next.

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