Kevin Harvick Hails Connor Zilisch Most Polished NASCAR Prospect Since Jeff Gordon

Kevin Harvick, 2014 Cup Series champion, has praised 19-year-old Connor Zilisch as the most polished and well-rounded young driver to enter NASCAR's Cup Series since Jeff Gordon, highlighting Zilisch's rapid ascent and dominance in the Xfinity Series with seven wins this season. Harvick has been a key mentor to Zilisch, encouraging him to pursue NASCAR over a potential Formula 1 career and noting Zilisch's strong work ethic, coachability, and ability to analyze data to improve performance. Despite Zilisch's impressive track record across multiple racing levels, Harvick cautions that the transition to full-time Cup Series racing will bring increased pressure from media, sponsors, and competition. Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks also expressed confidence, comparing Zilisch's potential impact to Max Verstappen's breakthrough in Formula 1. Fans and industry insiders are excited about Zilisch's future, though some remain cautious given the high expectations and history of promising drivers not fully meeting them. Zilisch will join Trackhouse Racing's Cup Series lineup next year, replacing Daniel Suárez alongside teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen.