Connor Zilisch Set to Make History at COTA, Headlines 2025 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix
The roar of engines will be amplified by the buzz of anticipation this weekend as the NASCAR Cup Series returns to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) for the 2025 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix. But this year’s race carries an extra layer of excitement: the debut of 18-year-old Connor Zilisch, who is poised to become the youngest driver to compete in a Cup Series race in over 15 years.
Zilisch’s arrival has injected a significant dose of intrigue into the event, instantly making him a central figure in the pre-race narrative. His rapid ascent through the racing ranks, punctuated by a remarkable 15 victories across seven different series in 2024, has established him as a force to be reckoned with. Among those wins was a stunning triumph in his very first Xfinity Series race, the Mission 200 at Watkins Glen, where he piloted a car for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports team.
This meteoric rise has fueled comparisons to Joey Logano, who entered the Cup Series scene back in 2009 as a similarly youthful prodigy. Now, Zilisch is preparing to take the reins of the No. 87 Red Bull Chevrolet as a part-time entrant, and he’s not shy about expressing his ambitions. He aims to challenge established stars like Tyler Reddick and William Byron right from the start.
“I want to try and become the youngest Cup Series winner, and to do that, I have to race as soon as possible and get it in before I turn 19,” Zilisch confidently told reporters, according to NASCAR.com. He added, “So, you know, I wanted to at least give myself a shot at that. So that was definitely part of my thinking. And honestly, I don’t feel like there’s anything that tells me that I’m not ready to race on a road course on Sunday.”
The EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix is one of six road course races on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule this season. This year, however, the event will feature a notable change: the race will be contested on the shorter 2.3-mile National circuit, rather than the 3.41-mile full layout that has been used since NASCAR first visited COTA in 2021. This adjustment will increase the lap count from 68 to 85, promising a potentially more action-packed race.
Beyond the excitement surrounding Zilisch’s debut, the 2025 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix presents a compelling array of storylines and contenders.
Odds and Potential Winners
Shane van Gisbergen, driving for Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, is considered a co-favorite to win alongside Zilisch. Despite a challenging outing at COTA in 2024, Van Gisbergen’s enhanced experience with the NextGen car positions him as a formidable competitor, especially given his strong road course background. A solid performance at COTA could be the catalyst to turn around what has been a difficult start to the 2025 season for the Trackhouse driver.
Racing Insights’ advanced statistical formula, factoring in track specifics, track type, recent results, team performance, and pit crew data, projects Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports as the likely winner. Alex Catavid notes the strength of Hendrick Motorsports on road courses in general, but singles out Larson as having been the most successful of their drivers on road courses in recent years, with two victories in the previous season.
Jim Sannes highlights Ty Gibbs as a dark horse contender. Still seeking his first Cup Series victory, Gibbs has consistently shown promise on road courses. In his 11 full-time starts, he’s amassed six top-10 finishes, four top-fives, and three podiums, including one at COTA in the track’s other configuration. Sannes believes that Gibbs’ combination of natural talent, top-tier equipment, and growing experience suggests that a breakthrough win is imminent.
Kevin Harvick, during his "Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour" podcast, picked William Byron, the reigning Daytona 500 champion, to replicate his success at COTA. Harvick emphasized Byron’s knack for starting the season strong and his proven ability on road courses.
Tyler Reddick is also considered a perennial threat on road courses. With three wins, 15 top-10 finishes, and 200 laps led on road courses, Reddick’s expertise is undeniable. He secured a victory at COTA two years prior and earned the pole position this year, further solidifying his chances.
How to Watch
The 2025 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix will be broadcast on FOX. Streaming options include Fubo, FoxSports.com, the Fox Sports app, and Max.
The 2025 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix promises to be a memorable event, blending the excitement of a new talent entering the fray with the established rivalries and unpredictable nature of road course racing. With Connor Zilisch aiming to make history and a host of other drivers vying for victory, the race at COTA is sure to deliver thrills and excitement for fans worldwide.
