NASCAR Notes: Zilisch To Run Coca-Cola 600
Written by I Dig Sports
CONCORD, N.C. Trackhouse Racing announced that 18-year-old Connor Zilisch will make his second NASCAR Cup Series start, driving the No. 87 Red Bull Chevrolet in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25.
Its awesome to have the opportunity to race in one of NASCARs coolest events, Zilisch said. The Charlotte 600 is one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR. Its going to be a physical and mental challenge because that race is so tough. Im very appreciative for (Trackhouse owner and founder) Justin (Marks) and everyone at Red Bull for their support and turning this opportunity into a reality.
Zilisch, a Trackhouse Racing development driver, is racing full-time in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports. He scored his first Xfinity victory of the season at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on March 1.
One day later the Mooresville, N.C., native made the first start of his Cup Series career driving the No. 87 Red Bull Chevrolet. Zilisch ran well until an accident just past the events halfway mark.
Legacy Motor Club filed a lawsuit against Rick Ware Racing earlier this week as the result of a failed deal for Legacy Motor Club to purchase a charter from RWR.
According to published reports the dispute centers around the timing of the sale of the charter, with RWR believing the sale would come prior to the 2027 Cup Series season. However, Legacy would like that sale to occur prior to the 2026 season in order for the team to add a third full-time entry.
Rick Ware Racing issued a statement regarding the suit: This lawsuit distorts the actual facts and is a misguided attempt to tarnish our reputation. RWR has negotiated in good faith and operated with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. We are confident that the truth will prevail and look forward to swiftly resolving this matter through the proper legal channels.
Veteran car chief Robert Cheddar Smith has joined Joe Gibbs Racing and will work as car chief for the No. 54 Cup Series machine driven by Ty Gibbs.
Smith spent 12 years working with crew chief Rodney Childers, both with Spire Motorsports and Stewart-Haas Racing.
This weekend marks the 128th running of a NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway. This season the track is celebrating its 75th Anniversary (1950-2025).
OnderLaw, a St. Louis-based personal injury law firm, will serve as the primary sponsor of Jeb Burtons Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport Xfinity Series entry in two races this season.
Fox Sports had 2,422,000 viewers for the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. That marks an 11% increase from last years spring Martinsville race.
TRICON Garage announced Call Before You Dig Inc. (CBYD) and Manafort Brothers, Inc. will sponsor the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Toyota wheeled by Toni Breidinger during the series deubt at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut.
With seven points-paying races complete, the Hendrick Motorsports quartet continues to be a dominating force in the NASCAR Cup Series standings.
Despite an early pit road issue providing an uphill battle for the No. 24 team, William Byron was still able to maintain the points lead for the sixth-consecutive week.
The 27-year-old North Carolina native heads to Darlington Raceway with a 16-point lead over second-place Kyle Larson and a 32-point lead over third-place Chase Elliott. Sitting just behind his teammates is Alex Bowman, who ties competitor Christopher Bell in the fourth position of the standings.
Toyota Camry XSE drivers have claimed victory in four of the first seven Cup Series races, including Denny Hamlins dominant win in Martinsville last weekend to go along with Christopher Bells three straight triumphs at Atlanta, Circuit of the Americas and Phoenix earlier this season. A victory this weekend for Team Toyota would be its 11th at Darlington Raceway and first since Hamlins win in 2021.