NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. brought his signature enthusiasm and humor to the Red Bull Soapbox Race as its American broadcaster. Premiering April 29, 2025, on the Discovery Channel, the series showcased amateur teams building wild, gravity-powered soapbox cars racing down courses worldwide. Dale Jr., alongside motorsports announcer Mike Bagley, captured the chaotic fun, spectacular crashes, and creative engineering with lively commentary.
However, while shooting promotional content for the event, things got a little more personal. Let’s just say not everything went as smoothly as planned. Especially when a young up-and-comer decided to stick to the rules. What happened next was something even Dale Jr. didn’t see coming.
When Connor Zilisch checked Dale Jr. on his turf
18-year-old Connor Zilisch, one of motorsport’s hottest rising stars, is also a Red Bull athlete. Zilisch has been turning heads ever since his debut Xfinity win at Watkins Glen last year, and has followed it up by winning at COTA during his rookie Xfinity Season this year. His partnership with Red Bull marks him as part of an elite club, joining names like Max Verstappen and Travis Pastrana. And Connor Zilisch’s got the swagger to match.
However, Red Bull doesn’t hand out gear like candy. According to Dale Jr.’s wife, Amy Earnhardt, getting that iconic logo means something. “You have to be a Red Bull athlete to receive a hat with a Red Bull logo on it,” she explained on the Bless Your ‘Hardt podcast. “You’re like crowned with your hat.” She recalled seeing a young racer get officially inducted. “We just like stumbled upon him getting crowned with his hat, and they gave him a jacket and the whole thing… It’s very cool. It’s such a simple thing, but it really rubs Dale’s ego!” So, how did Dale Jr.’s ego end up being hurt by a harmless tradition?
Well, Dale Jr. was not aware of how serious the tradition was, and Connor Zilisch gave him a poignant reminder of the Red Bull rules. While filming content for the Red Bull Soapbox Race on Dale Jr.’s property, specifically at the vintage-style gas station he owns, Connor Zilisch made a power move that caught everyone off guard. Dale Jr. recalled, “I walk in and I’m like, I had some other hat on, and I was like ‘Do y’all need me to change hats? I’ll put on a Red Bull hat, I don’t care’.” Without missing a beat, Zilisch fired back: “Oh, you can’t wear a Red Bull hat. You’re not a Red Bull athlete.” Dale Jr., momentarily stunned, said, “Who the f— are you?”
TALLADEGA, AL – OCTOBER 04: Connor Zilisch 7 Spire Motorsports Austin Hatcher Foundation Chevrolet on pit road before the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Craftsman Truck Series LoveÕs RV Stop 225 race on October 4, 2024 at the Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama. Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire AUTO: OCT 04 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series LoveÕs RV Stop 225 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon9532410040277
It was a reality check for the NASCAR icon. Two Daytona 500 wins and a glittering career as the owner of JR Motorsports dominated his resume, but wearing a Red Bull cap is only for the chosen ones. Deep down, he respected the move. Dale Jr. knew that Connor Zilisch was right. After all, he knew about the ‘Red Bull induction ceremony’ and the ‘crown’ that only Red Bull-sponsored athletes could wear. “18-year-old kid gonna snap back at me?.. I was so mad. But I was like, all right, yeah, I get it, man.” For Dale Jr., it was a rare moment of getting humbled. Of all places, on his own property. And that too by a kid half his age.
Zilisch is a shining rookie at JR Motorsports
This NASCAR season, few names have generated as much buzz as Connor Zilisch. At just 18, Zilisch has become the center of attention, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. declaring him the most hyped NASCAR prospect in years. The excitement surrounding Zilisch is reminiscent of the hype that once greeted Joey Logano’s arrival over a decade ago, earning Logano the nickname ‘Sliced Bread,’ as the greatest thing since. This, naturally, signals just how rare it is for a young driver to command this level of attention so early.
Zilisch’s rapid ascent is no accident. Backed by Chevrolet and major sponsors like WeatherTech and Red Bull, he’s being fast-tracked through the ranks. This institutional support is something many drivers only dream of, and it is fueling expectations that he could reach the Cup Series far sooner than most. Zilisch’s journey represents a new era in NASCAR talent development, where both skill and backing are essential for success.
In contrast, fellow JR Motorsports rookie Carson Kvapil, despite his impressive short-track pedigree and strong Xfinity Series performances, faces a steeper climb. Kvapil’s journey is marked by the need for results to secure funding and opportunities. As Earnhardt Jr. said on his podcast that Carson has to win to prove his mettle, highlighting the stark difference in pressures between the two prospects.
Zilisch’s story is not just about raw talent. It’s about the convergence of skill, sponsorship, and timing. With every race, the spotlight grows brighter, and the expectations rise. As the racing world watches, the question remains. Can Connor Zilisch live up to the hype and become the next superstar in NASCAR? For now, he stands as the most anticipated prospect of his generation.
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