WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — As NASCAR heads to Watkins Glen International, all eyes are on two of the sport’s top road course talents: Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch.
Van Gisbergen, a native of New Zealand, made his name in Australia’s Supercars Championship, where he captured three titles (2016, 2021, 2022). His transition to NASCAR immediately turned heads in 2023, when Trackhouse Racing placed him in the Project 91 entry for the inaugural Chicago Street Race. In a stunning debut, he won the event in his first start.
From there, van Gisbergen committed to NASCAR full-time. In 2024, he competed in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series while also making select Cup starts with Kaulig Racing. He scored three wins in the series and qualified for the playoffs, showing immediate strength on road courses.
By 2025, van Gisbergen moved full-time to Trackhouse in the Cup Series and delivered one of the most impressive rookie seasons in recent memory, winning five races — including a victory at Watkins Glen.
On the other side of this matchup is Zilisch, widely regarded as one of the sport’s brightest young talents. At just 19 years old, he has already built a reputation as a versatile, “plug-and-play” driver capable of competing in multiple disciplines. In 2025, Zilisch ran full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, winning 10 races and establishing himself as a future star.
His road course ability was on full display at Watkins Glen, where he won the race — setting the stage for a growing rivalry. The two drivers even made contact during that weekend, adding another layer to their competition.
Now, they return to the same track — this time as teammates under the Trackhouse banner.
With van Gisbergen’s experience and Zilisch’s rising talent, this weekend presents a compelling showdown: last year’s Rookie of the Year versus a driver many expect to contend for that honor this season.
At a track where skill matters more than ever, the battle between the two could very well decide the race.
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