Every year, as the racing season looms, pundits gather to make their predictions. Some are safe bets, some are wild swings, and some are so outlandish they leave you wondering if the person saying them even believes in them. But ever so often, someone drops a take so audacious it stops everyone in their tracks. Enter Bob Pockrass, one of NASCAR’s most respected voices, who recently left Kevin Harvick and Kaitlyn Vincie completely stunned with a prediction that’s equal parts bold and, should it come to fruition, utterly brilliant.
Bob Pockrass’s bold bet on Connor Zilisch
On a recent episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, the trio was discussing their pre-season NASCAR predictions when Pockrass dropped the bombshell: “Connor Zilisch is going to win a Cup race.” Cue the record scratch. Kaitlyn’s jaw hit the floor, and Harvick, ever the straight shooter, couldn’t help but chuckle. Pockrass’ reasoning was his prowess shown in the Xfinity races and Harvick couldn’t help but interject, saying, “We would call that apples to oranges.” But Pockrass wasn’t backing down. “This is why we called it bold predictions,” he fired back. And honestly? He might just be onto something.
Let’s rewind for a second. Connor Zilisch is 18 years old. He’s not even a full-time Cup Series driver yet. But if anyone has earned the right to be called a prodigy, it’s him. Pockrass pointed to Zilisch’s jaw-dropping Xfinity Series debut at Watkins Glen in 2024, where he not only won but did so in dominant fashion. “The way he won Watkins Glen in his first Xfinity race—it was special,” Pockrass said.
Now, winning in Xfinity is one thing. Winning in the Cup? That’s a whole different ballgame. But Pockrass isn’t just throwing darts. Connor Zilisch’s resume is already stacked for someone his age. He’s got five ARCA Menards Series wins, a CARS Tour victory, a Sebring 12 Hours and a Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona win under his belt. Oh, and let’s not forget his Truck Series qualifying record at COTA. The kid is a road course wizard, and Pockrass believes that’s where he’ll make his mark in Cup.
“I’m not saying he’s gonna go out and win COTA in his first one,” Pockrass clarified on the Happy Hour Podcast. “But I think he will win a Cup race.”
Kevin Harvick and Vincie were skeptical, to say the least. “That’s bolder than mine,” Kaitlyn admitted. But here’s the thing: Connor Zilisch isn’t your average rookie. His adaptability is off the charts. Justin Marks, co-owner of Trackhouse Racing, has called him a “once-in-a-generation talent.” And when you consider that Zilisch is set to make his Cup debut at COTA in 2025, it’s not hard to see why Pockrass is so bullish.
Zilisch’s unfortunate Rolex 24 and his plans for 2025
Of course, not every chapter of Connor Zilisch’s story has been a fairytale. Take the recent 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona, for example. Zilisch was behind the wheel of the No. 91 Chevrolet Corvette for Trackhouse Racing, and for most of the race, he was a revelation. At one point, he surged from seventh to third, overtaking factory Corvettes and seasoned veterans alike. But in the final hour, disaster struck.
Exiting the International Horseshoe, Zilisch spun, collided with another car, and earned a drive-through penalty. The team, which had been in podium contention, ultimately finished ninth. It was a gut punch, but Zilisch owned it. “I made a mistake and cost us a chance at a good result,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m really frustrated with my final two stints. We had a really good shot.”
Despite the heartbreak, Zilisch’s maturity shone through. “I prepare for every race the same, no matter what I’m doing in the future or what my expectations are,” he told Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass. “I’m going to keep doing my thing.”
And what a thing it is. Connor Zilisch’s 2025 schedule is already packed. He’ll be running a full-time Xfinity Series campaign with JR Motorsports while also making select Cup Series starts for Trackhouse, including his debut at COTA. Add in his endurance racing commitments, and it’s clear Zilisch is being groomed for greatness.
The buzz around Zilisch is only amplified by Red Bull’s return to NASCAR. The energy drink giant, which hasn’t been in the sport since 2011, is sponsoring both Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen in 2025. For Zilisch, it’s a surreal moment. “It’s going to be crazy living out a lifelong dream of competing at the highest level of motorsports,” he said. “To do it at 18 years old is surreal.”
So, is Bob Pockrass’s prediction a stretch? Maybe. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Connor Zilisch, it’s that the 18-year-old thrives under pressure. Whether it’s winning in his Xfinity debut or bouncing back from a heartbreaking Rolex 24, Zilisch has shown he’s got the talent, the mindset, and the support to make waves in NASCAR.
As for Harvick and Vincie, they might still be skeptical, but even they can’t deny the kid’s potential. After all, bold predictions are what make sports fun—and if anyone’s going to prove Pockrass right, it’s Connor Zilisch.
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