Teenage racing phenom Connor Zilisch will get his first taste of the NASCAR national series competition in 2024, signing with JR Motorsports to make several NASCAR Xfinity Series starts beginning at Watkins Glen in September.

The 17-year-old from Mooresville, N.C. will pilot the team’s iconic No. 88 Chevrolet at Watkins Glen, Kansas, Homestead, and Phoenix following his 18th birthday on August 24th. Zilisch is coming off a stunning performance at the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January, where he became the youngest race winner in event history at just 17 years old.

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Connor into the JR Motorsports family,” said team co-owner Kelley Earnhardt Miller. “Connor is an extremely talented young man and we can’t wait to see what he can do when he gets to the track with us at Watkins Glen.”

Despite his youth, Zilisch already has an impressive racing pedigree. He began karting at age 5 and has won multiple U.S. national championships. In 2021, his first season in the Sports Car Club of America, Zilisch set track records at six different venues.

He made his ARCA Menards Series debut in 2023, finishing runner-up in his first start. Zilisch signed a developmental deal with Trackhouse Racing earlier this year.

“It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to race in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports,” said the young racer. “I have a lot to learn…but there’s no better team to learn with than JRM. I look forward to giving my all and making the most of this opportunity.”

Zilisch’s Xfinity schedule with JR Motorsports will serve as a crucial step in his stockcar racing development under the guidance of the championship-winning organization. At the same time, his four scheduled starts will allow him to get experience on larger tracks and in heavier cars compared to what he’s raced previously.

The team has not yet announced sponsorship for Zilisch’s No. 88 entries. But all eyes will be on the versatile talent when he makes his NASCAR national touring debut for JRM at Watkins Glen’s iconic road course in September.