Connor Zilisch Celebrates NASCAR Win with Racing Hero Max Verstappen

Madison, Illinois – NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch celebrated his victory in the Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog at World Wide Technology Raceway on September 6, 2025. The win marks another highlight in Zilisch’s remarkable season, during which he has claimed 10 race victories.

Reflecting on his racing journey, Zilisch shared the excitement of meeting his hero, four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen. Their friendship grew after Zilisch joined Verstappen and Shane van Gisbergen for dinner in Texas last year.

“I went down there to film a video with SVG and the other two Red Bull F1 drivers,” Zilisch said on the Kenny Conversation podcast. “I was able to meet Max and talk with him, which was a dream come true.”

Zilisch, who grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, admitted he was more of an F1 fan than a NASCAR fan. “Verstappen is different than how the public sees him. He’s just another racer wanting to win,” Zilisch commented.

The 19-year-old driver expressed hope that Verstappen might one day compete in American stock cars. “I respect him and look up to him. He’s incredibly talented,” Zilisch said. “I’d love to race side by side with him.”

Verstappen, now 28, has shown interest in NASCAR, which Zilisch views as an opportunity for potential collaboration in the future. “It would be pretty wild to see Max and I racing together,” Zilisch added.

Zilisch, who will advance to the NASCAR Cup Series next year with Trackhouse Racing, faces the challenge of adapting to a new level of racing. He understands the pressures of performance, especially when comparing with Verstappen’s rapid rise in F1.

“The jump to the Cup Series is tough,” Zilisch said. “But I hope to adapt quickly, drawing confidence from racers like Max.”

Fans eagerly await Zilisch’s debut in the NASCAR Cup Series, starting with the Daytona 500 in February 2026.