NASCAR insider reveals expected Cup Series driver replacement for 2026

A NASCAR insider has revealed who is expected to replace a driver vacating his Cup Series seat for 2026.

It was announced earlier this week that Daniel Suarez and Trackhouse Racing will be parting ways at the end of 2025 after what will have been five seasons together.

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Naturally, this means that Trackhouse will be looking for a new driver in the No. 99 from 2026 onwards, and FOX Sports' Bob Pockrass has revealed who he expects to take the seat.

Pockrass revealed on X that although it is not yet confirmed, it is the 'expectation' that Suarez will be replaced by current Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch.

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No announcement on Connor Zilisch replacing Suarez but that is the expectation. Have heard of several drivers in the Xfinity garage angling for the JRM 88 car next year (and I would guess not to rule Suarez out if nothing materializes in Cup). https://t.co/ekklEIR6Xw

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 1, 2025

Who is Connor Zilisch?

Connor Zilisch is a rising star in the NASCAR world, and at 18 years old, he undoubtedly has a huge future ahead of him.

Currently, Zilisch races full-time in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports, piloting the No. 88, and so far this season, he has enjoyed great success.

Zilisch has secured two wins in the series, for example, one at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) back in March, and his first victory on an oval at Pocono last month.

On top of this, the 18-year-old has already made his Cup Series debut, having raced three times in NASCAR's elite series for Trackhouse Racing, including last time out.

In Atlanta, Zilisch achieved his best-ever finish in the Cup, narrowly missing out on the top 10 in 11th place, with a further appearance in the series currently scheduled for Watkins Glen next month.

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