Connor Zilisch, the 18-year-old wunderkind, is officially stepping into the NASCAR Cup Series spotlight. On Thursday, Trackhouse Racing announced that Zilisch will pilot the No. 87 Chevrolet in his Cup debut at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), a venue where he has already left his mark. And the cherry on top? He’ll be doing it with the iconic Red Bull logo splashed across his car, marking the energy drink giant’s triumphant return to NASCAR after over a decade away.
Red Bull isn’t just backing Zilisch—they’re doubling down. Shane van Gisbergen, fresh off electrifying NASCAR fans since his 2023 Cup debut win at the Chicago Street Race, will also carry Red Bull colors in five Cup races this year. SVG, now a full-time Cup rookie with Trackhouse, welcomed the familiar sponsor with open arms.
“I’ve enjoyed a lot of new experiences and met many new people since coming to NASCAR, but it’s nice to have Red Bull with me,” van Gisbergen said. “They’ve been a big supporter back home, and I’d love nothing more than to give them a victory here.”
As for Zilisch, this moment is the culmination of a meteoric rise. He first turned heads last March by snatching pole position in the Craftsman Truck Series race at COTA before finishing a strong fourth. He then solidified his status by winning his Xfinity Series debut at Watkins Glen with JR Motorsports—a feat that cemented him as one of NASCAR’s brightest prospects.
“I was surprised when they presented me my Red Bull helmet and hat last summer, and doubly surprised when they told me I’d make my Cup debut in the No. 87 with a Red Bull paint scheme,” Zilisch said. “It’s incredible.”
Zilisch will run the full 2025 Xfinity Series schedule for JR Motorsports, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet after an impressive part-time campaign in 2024 that included three top-five finishes. But his Cup debut at COTA promises to be a spectacle—both for his talent and for the car itself, a sleek Red Bull-liveried machine.
Meanwhile, van Gisbergen’s five-race Red Bull schedule includes marquee events like Sonoma, Daytona, and Kansas, where the New Zealander hopes to showcase his signature mix of raw speed and calculated aggression.
“It’s an incredible chapter in the history of Trackhouse Racing to welcome Red Bull back to NASCAR,” said Justin Marks, Trackhouse founder and owner. “Red Bull is one of the most powerful brands in the world, and it’s an honor to partner with such an iconic company.”
Marks isn’t wrong. The Red Bull brand, combined with the undeniable talent of Zilisch and SVG, sets the stage for a thrilling 2025 season. With a mix of youthful exuberance, international flair, and a team that knows how to win, Trackhouse Racing is positioning itself as the team to watch.
Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.
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