Connor Zilisch: NASCAR vs. F1 Path, Rolex, and More – 12 Questions
At just 17 years old, racing prodigy Connor Zilisch has already achieved incredible success in the world of motorsports. He has won the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring this year, and recently made his debut in the NASCAR national series at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. In this interview, Zilisch shares his thoughts on various aspects of his career and offers insights into his experiences as a young driver.
Bucket List Goals: Winning the Triple Crown of Endurance Racing and Le Mans
Zilisch reveals that his number one goal is to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Having already conquered Daytona and Sebring, he believes that winning Le Mans would complete the triple crown of endurance racing. However, he feels the pressure to achieve this goal before signing a full-time NASCAR deal, as it would make it challenging to participate in Le Mans every year.
Media Consumption and Road Racing Love
Despite not growing up around NASCAR, Zilisch has developed a strong interest in the sport. He admits to spending a significant amount of time on Twitter to learn more about NASCAR. However, he believes that his love for road racing sets him apart from many fans. Zilisch acknowledges that not everyone shares his enthusiasm for road racing, but he sees it as an essential aspect of being a well-rounded race car driver.
Measuring Success Beyond Winning
While winning is undoubtedly an essential measure of success in racing, Zilisch emphasizes the significance of being a likable person within the garage. Building friendships and being well-liked by fellow drivers can contribute to a driver’s success just as much as talent. Zilisch strives to be the kind of person that others want to befriend and support.
Navigating Relationships with Competing Drivers
Zilisch recognizes the challenges of maintaining friendships with other drivers while competing against them. He draws from personal experience, having raced against his childhood friend Brent Crews since they were young. Zilisch believes that separating on-track incidents from their personal relationships is crucial to maintaining a healthy dynamic within the racing community.
The Importance of Behind-the-Scenes Efforts
Zilisch sheds light on the extensive work that goes on behind the scenes in racing. He highlights the responsibilities drivers have, even at his level, and acknowledges the sacrifices made by crew members who are away from their families for most of the year. Zilisch believes that understanding the demanding nature of the sport is essential for fans to appreciate the dedication and hard work that go into a racing career.
The Unforgettable Experience of Winning the Rolex 24 and Sebring
Winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring at just 17 years old was a surreal experience for Zilisch. Although both victories were significant, he found the Sebring win to be particularly special. By finishing the race, he felt like a more integral part of the team and earned his victory against experienced drivers from IndyCar and Formula One.
The F1 Path and Choosing NASCAR
Zilisch reflects on his karting days in Europe and admits to some regret about not pursuing a path towards Formula One. While acknowledging the immense resources required to compete in F1, he believes that the recent surge in popularity of the sport in America might have influenced his decision. Nevertheless, Zilisch expresses contentment with his career in NASCAR and is grateful for the opportunity to live and race in America.
Appreciating Small-Town Life
Growing up in south Charlotte, Zilisch enjoyed a small-town atmosphere while still having access to great amenities. He appreciates the close-knit community and the ability to run into familiar faces wherever he goes. Moving to Mooresville, north of Charlotte, has further enhanced his small-town experience.
Embracing Uncomfortable Situations and Personal Growth
Zilisch attributes his outgoing personality to his experiences in Europe, where he lived without his parents and navigated unfamiliar territory. Putting himself in uncomfortable situations, both on and off the track, has helped him grow as a person and become more adaptable to new challenges.
Elevator Etiquette with Jesse Love
When asked which driver he would least like to be stuck within an elevator, Zilisch humorously points to his close friend Jesse Love. Their familiarity with each other might lead to a disagreement or even a fight if they were confined in such a small space.
Unseen Moments and Honest Conversations
Zilisch shares an incident in a Pro Late Model race where he was spun out by Cole Butcher. Instead of confronting Butcher angrily, Zilisch approached him with kindness and engaged in an honest conversation about the incident. Butcher was taken aback by Zilisch’s approach, as he had expected a confrontation. The incident highlights Zilisch’s preference for resolving conflicts through open communication rather than aggression.
Favorite Racing Series: Mazda MX5 Cup
Zilisch reveals that his favorite racing series is the Mazda MX5 Cup. He describes the races as intense and chaotic, with drivers constantly aware of their surroundings. The competitiveness of the series has made him a better driver and heightened his awareness on the track.
Pickleball Pastimes with Todd Gilliland
Zilisch suggests asking Todd Gilliland about his favorite pastime outside of racing during the week. As NASCAR drivers have limited downtime, Zilisch is curious to know how Gilliland spends his free time and what hobbies he enjoys.
In conclusion, Connor Zilisch’s journey as a young racing prodigy is filled with accomplishments and valuable life lessons. Despite some regrets about not pursuing an F1 path, Zilisch is content with his career in NASCAR and relishes the opportunity to race and live in America. With his outgoing personality and ability to navigate uncomfortable situations, Zilisch is poised for continued success in the world of motorsports.