Trackhouse Racing signs Connor Zilisch to developmental deal; to compete part-time in ARCA Menards Series

Connor Zilisch is set to take a major step forward in his driver development during the 2024 season.

The 17-year-old Mooresville, North Carolina, native has signed a multi-year contract with Trackhouse Racing that will see him compete in several ARCA Menards Series events.

Zilisch’s development deal for 2024 also includes part-time schedules in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, zMAX CARS Tour, Trans Am and IMSA events such as the prestigious Rolex 24.

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“This is a dream come true,” Zilisch said in a press release. “I can’t thank Justin. Marks and everyone at Trackhouse Racing enough for giving me this 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.”

Known for his efficiency on road courses, Zilisch has already accumulated many accomplishments in his young career.

In 2020, Zilisch became the first American to win the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy, an honor that Zilisch shares with current Formula One competitor Charles Leclerc. The triumphs kept coming for Zilisch during the 2020s with wins in Late Model Stocks, the Trans Am Championship and the Mazda MX-5 Cup.

Zilisch’s debut in the ARCA Menards Series at Watkins Glen International was a memorable one. Driving for Pinnacle Racing Group, Zilisch led a race-high 34 laps, but settled for second after getting passed by eventual ARCA Menards Series champion Jesse Love in the final corner.

Trackhouse co-owner Justin Marks has been impressed with the composure and maturity Zilisch has displayed behind the wheel at such a young age. Those qualities convinced Marks that Zilisch would be a perfect fit for his organization that already includes Ross Chastain, Daniel Suarez and three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen.

“I have watched Connor grow 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,” Marks said in a press release. “This kid is an amazing talent who we wanted to be a part of the Trackhouse family.

“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 career.”

Additional details about Zilisch’s plans for the 2024 season across all the different series he intends to compete in will be announced in the coming weeks.