Gator Roots Run Deep for NASCAR Cup Series Rookie
When Connor Zilisch was 7 or 8 years old, he attended the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, watching his Florida Gators duke it out with the Georgia Bulldogs.
The rivalry game became one of the many experiences that helped turn the University of Florida into a lifelong connection for the future NASCAR driver.
“I grew up going to games ever since I was a baby,” Zilisch said, “and I’ve watched college football, basketball and kept up with it throughout my entire life.”
Now 20 and competing in the NASCAR Cup Series, his connection to UF goes beyond being a lifelong fan. His parents met at UF, his mother competed as a gymnast and the lessons she learned as a college athlete helped shape the mindset Zilisch carries into his professional career.
That connection began before Zilisch was born.
His parents, Jim and Janice Zilisch, met at UF after Jim’s time in Sledd Hall put him around several Florida athletes. Through these relationships, he eventually met Janice, a gymnast for the Gators.
Janice Kerr earned All-America honors twice and All-SEC honors in three consecutive seasons. She was also named a 1990 SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
As Jim and Janice graduated, married and started a family, their connection to UF was passed down to their children. But Janice’s time as a Gator gave Connor more than a team to cheer for.
Her gymnastics career gave Zilisch an early example of what it looks like to compete at a high level, something he has carried into his racing career.
“Her work ethic is what really sticks out,” Zilisch said. “I certainly learned that work ethic and what it takes to be at the highest of your game and your certain sport at a young age.”
This work ethic became increasingly important as Zilisch started climbing the ranks of NASCAR.
Coming off a 10-win season in the then-named NASCAR Xfinity Series, Zilisch quickly emerged as one of the sport’s top young talents with expectations that he would make an immediate impact in the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing.
Instead, his rookie season has brought adversity. Zilisch has recorded nine DNFs and an average finish of 27.2, a difficult start for the young prospect.
The early Cup Series adversity has tested the work ethic and persistence that he learned from his mother.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself, it has certainly been character building and something I have never experienced in my life before,” Connor said. “Learning how to lose and deal with defeat, weeks in a row is not something I ever expected to learn in this way.”
As Zilisch has established himself within NASCAR, his relationship with Florida has evolved.
Zilisch worked with UF’s GatorMade program in Vegas and spoke to the Gators about job opportunities within NASCAR.
“It was cool to show them around and get to talk to them about Coach (Jon) Sumrall and what’s to come this season,” Zilisch said. “It’s cool to talk to other kids my age in high-level sports and see how different it is.”
Jim said Connor’s opportunity to meet Brandon Spikes and work with the GatorMade team was a special experience for him.
“It was cool for Connor to be introduced to all those people and be in a position where you know, wow, they want to see me,” Jim said.
Despite the challenges of his rookie season, Zilisch’s future remains promising. Hendrick Motorsports announced Aug. 17 that Zilisch will join the organization in 2028 driving the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet.
Jimmie Johnson won seven Cup Series championships in the No. 48, creating a legacy that Zilisch will soon inherit.
Zilisch understands the history of the number, but wants to build his own legacy.
“Obviously, the 48 has a legacy and it’s one I can’t wait to carry on and continue to build my own story with Hendrick Motorsports and everyone involved,” Zilisch said on social media.
Zilisch’s rookie season may be testing him, but it hasn’t changed how one of NASCAR’s premier organizations view his potential.
Alex Bowman has driven the No. 48 since 2021, but the car carries a history far beyond his tenure.
Zilisch will join NASCAR champions Kyle Larson and Chase Elliot, along with once back-to-back Daytona 500 champion William Byron at Hendrick Motorsports in 2028.
Even with his sights set on the Cup Series, Zilisch keeps up to date with what is happening in Gainesville. With the Gators in year one under Sumrall, Zilisch will once again be following the program he grew up watching.
“I’m excited to see what Aaron [Philo] can do, new quarterback, that’s exciting,” Zilisch said. “I like Jon [Sumrall] as a coach and a person, he seems very switched on and says the right things.”
Category: Auto Racing, Former Gators
