Zilisch Expands NASCAR Slate, Supercars Driver Moves, and Larson Backs Out of Adelaide Appearance

Connor Zilisch Expands NASCAR Cup Series Schedule With Trackhouse Racing

Connor Zilisch, one of NASCAR’s brightest young stars, is set to make two more NASCAR Cup Series appearances in 2025 as Trackhouse Racing continues to build his experience at the sport’s highest level. The 18-year-old will race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on June 28 and Watkins Glen International on August 10, adding to his growing Cup résumé. Zilisch debuted in the Cup Series earlier this year at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) with sponsorship from Red Bull, piloting the No. 87 Chevrolet.

At COTA, Zilisch showcased impressive speed, qualifying 14th on debut a noteworthy feat against a field of seasoned Cup veterans. However, his race ended prematurely after getting caught up in a mid-race crash with Trackhouse teammate Daniel Suárez. He completed 49 of 95 laps before retiring and was ultimately classified in 37th place. Despite the result, the outing demonstrated his raw pace and potential on road courses.

Zilisch returned to Cup competition for his oval debut in one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Starting 33rd, he spun after mid-race contact with seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson but managed to avoid major damage. Zilisch recovered to finish 23rd, completing the grueling 400-lap race and earning valuable track time as teammate Ross Chastain drove to victory.

Trackhouse Racing will again field a fourth entry for Zilisch in his next two Cup starts. Atlanta will present a fresh challenge, as the speedway’s reconfiguration has made it a hybrid between a superspeedway and intermediate oval. Watkins Glen, however, should be a more familiar setting it’s where Zilisch captured his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series win, and he’ll return there with added confidence and familiarity.

Zilisch currently sits fifth in the Xfinity Series regular season standings, despite missing the Texas race due to a minor back injury suffered in a Talladega crash. He secured a playoff spot with a win at COTA and has continued to improve on oval tracks, recently posting consecutive runner-up finishes at Charlotte and Nashville. His growth curve has been steep, and with Red Bull and Trackhouse backing him, Zilisch is rapidly emerging as a future Cup Series mainstay.

With Cup and Xfinity Series experience under his belt, and Red Bull invested in his development, Zilisch’s accelerated path to the top tier of NASCAR is gaining momentum. As Trackhouse continues to field extra entries for its developmental talent, Zilisch’s performance in these upcoming races will be closely watched by industry insiders and fans alike.

Cam Waters and Thomas Randle Commit to Tickford Racing Through 2027

Cam Waters has removed himself from 2026’s Supercars silly season speculation by officially re-signing with Ford outfit Tickford Racing. The announcement ends speculation about a potential switch to a rival General Motors-backed team and reinforces Tickford’s lineup with one of the championship’s most established contenders. Waters’ new deal runs through the 2027 season, with an option for a third year.

Waters, 30, is currently fourth in the 2025 Supercars standings and has been a staple of the Tickford program since his Super2 Series title in 2015. His decision to remain with the team was described as one rooted in loyalty and a shared ambition to chase a championship title that has so far eluded him. “We’ve got unfinished business,” Waters said in the team’s announcement, emphasizing his belief in Tickford’s long-term potential.

Joining him in re-upping with the team is Thomas Randle, who sits sixth in the current championship standings. Randle has grown steadily since joining Tickford’s main game operation in 2022 and, like Waters, has longstanding ties to the organization. “Tickford is where I got my start, not only in Super2 but in Supercars,” Randle said. “We’ve done some pretty cool things together, and I can’t wait to continue this journey.”

Tickford CEO Simon Brookhouse hailed the dual signings as a pivotal moment for the team. “Locking in Cam and Thomas for the next two seasons gives us consistency, leadership, and talent behind the wheel,” Brookhouse said. “Their commitment reinforces the direction we’re heading as a team and puts us in a strong position to target both the drivers' and teams' championships.”

Waters’ and Randle’s extensions mark a vote of confidence in Tickford’s long-term competitiveness amid shifting dynamics in the Supercars paddock. With the Gen3 platform continuing to evolve and teams seeking lineup stability, Tickford’s decision to retain its top two drivers ensures continuity during a transformative period for the sport.

Supercars returns to action this weekend at Wanneroo Raceway in Perth. It will be one of the final visits to the track before it’s replaced by a new street circuit in 2027. With momentum and new contracts in hand, both Waters and Randle will be eager to add to their strong 2025 campaigns.

Kyle Larson Withdraws from Adelaide Supercars Finale

In an unexpected twist, Kyle Larson has withdrawn from the 2025 Adelaide Supercars Grand Final, abandoning plans for what had been touted as a high-profile crossover appearance. Larson, who had been in advanced talks with PremiAir Racing and the South Australian Motorsport Board, was slated to drive as a wildcard entrant and compete in both Supercars and sprintcar events in the city.

The news comes just weeks after Larson’s grueling attempt at the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 doubleheader, which ended in frustration with crashes in both races. While Larson had publicly expressed excitement about competing in Adelaide, citing it as a “bucket list” opportunity, the decision to pull out suggests scheduling and physical strain may have proven too significant a barrier.

Larson's withdrawal is the second consecutive year in which a top NASCAR driver has pulled out of the Adelaide event at the eleventh hour. In 2024, Kyle Busch had been scheduled to compete with a Triple Eight-prepared Camaro but also failed to appear. The event, which falls outside of the traditional NASCAR calendar, remains one of the few international races realistically accessible for Cup Series stars.

The decision is a blow to organizers, who had hoped Larson’s involvement would further raise the profile of the event and continue a trend of U.S. crossover interest following Shane van Gisbergen’s successful move to NASCAR. Larson, one of the sport’s most versatile and respected racers, previously won the High Limit sprintcar finale in Perth and remains a fan favorite in both dirt and asphalt disciplines.

Despite the setback, Larson remains open to future international competition. He has spoken positively about Supercars and maintains respect for drivers like van Gisbergen, acknowledging the level of talent in the Australian series. Whether another opportunity arises in 2026 remains to be seen, especially as Larson reconsiders the intensity of his motorsports calendar following a physically demanding year.

The Adelaide Supercars finale remains a marquee event on the calendar and is still expected to draw significant interest, even without a U.S.-based superstar on the grid. Organizers will now look toward alternative ways to boost international appeal heading into future seasons.

Lance Stroll’s Canadian GP in Doubt After Spanish GP Withdrawal

Lance Stroll’s immediate Formula 1 future is in question following his withdrawal from the Spanish Grand Prix due to complications stemming from a previous wrist injury. Aston Martin confirmed that the Canadian driver experienced a flare-up of pain related to his 2023 cycling crash, which originally left him with two fractured wrists and a broken toe ahead of last season’s opener.

Stroll had qualified 14th for the Spanish Grand Prix before team doctors decided to sideline him just hours ahead of the race. Aston Martin later announced that he had undergone another medical procedure and would focus on recovery. However, with the Canadian Grand Prix just over a week away, there is growing uncertainty about whether he will be fit to race on home soil.

The team currently has two reserve drivers, Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne, but both are scheduled to race in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans on the same weekend. Drugovich, however, has indicated that Formula 1 would take precedence if needed. “My priority has always been Formula 1,” the former F2 champion said, signaling his willingness to skip Le Mans if Aston Martin calls.

If neither reserve driver becomes available, Aston may have to explore options outside its own roster. Jak Crawford and Tina Hausmann, both affiliated with the team’s junior programs, are not believed to hold the necessary FIA superlicences. Jessica Hawkins, another team ambassador, is similarly ineligible under current licensing regulations.

This could prompt Aston Martin to request assistance from fellow Mercedes-powered teams. Valtteri Bottas, who recently expressed a desire to return to Formula 1, could be a viable emergency substitute. Bottas has the experience and licensing to slot in immediately and could be a stabilizing presence if Aston Martin finds itself without a regular driver.

Aston Martin has yet to confirm Stroll’s status or name a backup. With time running short before the next round, all eyes are on the Canadian’s recovery and the team’s next move in what could become a high-stakes driver shuffle at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.