Electric Cars

NASCAR's rising star, Connor Zilisch, continues to make waves in the racing world. The 18-year-old driver is gaining valuable experience through Trackhouse Racing as he competes for the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship. With sponsorship from Red Bull, Zilisch made his debut in the Cup Series at COTA, where he qualified impressively but encountered a crash mid-race. He later participated in the Coca-Cola 600, overcoming an incident with Jimmie Johnson to finish 23rd. Recently, Trackhouse announced two more Cup races for Zilisch this year, showcasing their commitment to nurturing young talent.

Trackhouse Racing has been instrumental in providing opportunities for emerging drivers like Connor Zilisch. After making his initial mark in the Cup Series at COTA, driving the No. 87 Chevrolet, the teenager demonstrated significant potential despite finishing 37th due to a crash involving teammate Daniel Suarez. His subsequent oval debut at the Coca-Cola 600 further highlighted his resilience when he managed to recover from an on-track incident with veteran Jimmie Johnson and secure a commendable 23rd place. These experiences underscore the importance of hands-on learning within the competitive environment of NASCAR.

Beyond these initial appearances, Trackhouse Racing has extended its support by scheduling two additional Cup races for Zilisch in 2023. The first will take place on June 28 at Atlanta, now known as EchoPark Speedway following a seven-year branding agreement. The second race is set for August 10 at Watkins Glen, marking a return to the track where Zilisch achieved his first Xfinity victory. This strategic move reflects both the team's confidence in his abilities and their dedication to fostering long-term success for promising drivers.

In addition to his burgeoning Cup career, Zilisch remains a formidable contender in the Xfinity Series, currently ranking fifth in regular-season standings. Despite setbacks such as a minor back injury sustained during a crash at Talladega, which forced him to miss a race while recovering, he secured his spot in the playoffs earlier this year with a win at COTA. Recent performances include consecutive runner-up finishes at Charlotte and Nashville, demonstrating steady improvement on ovals.

As Connor Zilisch continues to carve out his niche in the motorsport landscape, his journey exemplifies the value of perseverance and adaptability. Through continued exposure to high-stakes racing environments facilitated by Trackhouse Racing and Red Bull's backing, Zilisch is poised to refine his skills and elevate his status within NASCAR circles. Each new challenge brings not only invaluable experience but also opportunities to demonstrate growth under pressure—a hallmark trait of any successful professional athlete.

A promising young racehorse named Secret Hideaway has captured attention as she transitions into new ownership ahead of the prestigious Royal Ascot event. This talented filly, trained by Adrian Keatley, caught the eye of Medallion Racing and its partners, who have acquired a stake in her future endeavors. Her victory in the Marygate Stakes at York showcased her resilience despite facing challenges during the race.

Secret Hideaway's potential is evident, with discussions suggesting she could be entered into notable races such as the Queen Mary Stakes. Mark McStay expressed enthusiasm about facilitating this partnership, highlighting the filly’s determination in overcoming an early setback at York. He noted her impressive condition upon inspection at Keatley’s stables in Malton, indicating high expectations for her performance moving forward. The collaboration between Medallion Racing and original owner-breeders Paul Shanahan and Timmy Hyde aims to unlock further success on the international stage.

The excitement surrounding Secret Hideaway extends beyond Royal Ascot, envisioning opportunities across continents. Philip Shelton from Medallion Racing praised her tenacity in finishing strongly despite initial difficulties. They see her as a contender not only for upcoming British races but also for broader horizons in Europe and potentially America. This acquisition reflects optimism about nurturing equine talent while fostering partnerships that celebrate both heritage and ambition within the sport.