It’s often said that comparison steals joy. In the competitive realm of motorsports, especially in NASCAR, such comparisons are frequent. The sport demands much both physically and mentally, and while some drivers find inspiration in their rivals’ achievements, others struggle with the pressure of raised expectations. With 18-year-old Connor Zilisch winning his debut Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen International, he’s now under the spotlight, for better or worse.
Using Bubba Wallace’s post-championship difficulties following Ryan Blaney’s 2023 Cup Series win, prominent NASCAR insider Brett Griffin has advised aspiring racers to avoid comparing themselves to established stars to protect their mental well-being.
NASCAR Insider Cautions About the Pitfalls of Comparison
Seeing a rival succeed on the track is one thing, but it’s another when that rival is also a close friend. This was Bubba Wallace’s experience when Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney won the Cup Series championship at Phoenix Raceway in 2023. Wallace and Blaney, having raced together since childhood, were inevitably compared. While one celebrated a championship, the other missed the final eight.
Brett Griffin highlighted the risks of such comparisons using Wallace’s case as a lesson, particularly for emerging talents like Connor Zilisch. On the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Griffin remarked, “Comparisons can either drive you or bring you down. Bubba Wallace admitted that Ryan Blaney’s championship win pushed him into a slump because he was comparing himself to a friend and fellow racer. If I were 18, I’d hate to compare myself to a Connor Zilisch for the next 20 years.”
Connor Zilisch’s Unique Talent
Griffin’s caution is valid, given that Connor Zilisch’s talent is exceptional. The part-time JR Motorsports driver achieved a remarkable double win at Watkins Glen International, demonstrating maturity beyond his years. Zilisch secured his fifth ARCA Menards Series victory in six tries at the 2.45-mile track and dominated his debut Xfinity Series race. He’s set to join Dale Earnhardt Jr’s team full-time for the 2025 season, raising expectations.
Success on the track relies on many factors including talent, effort, sponsorship, and luck. Zilisch’s Xfinity Series success is an anomaly, making Griffin’s advice to future racers particularly relevant. With his current form, Zilisch is likely to advance to the NASCAR Cup Series soon, where he will compete against the best in stock car racing.
Connor Zilisch’s Potential as NASCAR’s Future Star
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Sometimes, a driver emerges with all the potential to reach the pinnacle of motorsports. At just 18, Connor Zilisch might be NASCAR’s next big star based on his impressive career trajectory. The North Carolina native was the first American to win the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy at 14, a title once held by Scuderia Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Moreover, Zilisch was the youngest ever to win a Trans-Am race and achieved five podium finishes last year. His versatility and dominance include victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring this year. Kyle Larson also anticipates Zilisch’s future success, stating, “He’s really good, very mature, and I believe he’ll make it to the Cup Series.”
While Zilisch’s future looks promising, staying grounded and progressing methodically is key. A strong stint in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports will help him acclimate to stock car racing’s demands, and with his talent, his transition to the Cup Series might be swift. Although his potential is still speculative, there’s much excitement about this generational talent in NASCAR.
