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In the NASCAR world, few names carry the weight of Tony Stewart’s grit and glory. The Hall of Famer stamped his name in sports history with feats that still make jaws drop. Now, as Trackhouse Racing gears up for a new chapter with Connor Zilisch, team owner Justin Marks wants to achieve one feat that only Tony Stewart has achieved so far in the sport. Marks sees Zilisch as a driver who is destined for big moments, someone who thrives under pressure like few others. And he already wants him to accomplish a mission, something that a two-time Cup champion like Kyle Larson also failed at this year. ADVERTISEMENT Trackhouse’s bold double vision for Connor Zilisch Straight from the latest Sports Business Journal podcast chat, Trackhouse Racing is eyeing the Indy 500-Coca-Cola 600 double for Connor Zilisch down the road. As Jayski X’s post read, “Trackhouse Racing is interested in attempting the Coca-Cola 600 and Indy 500 double in future years with Connor Zilisch. Next year is likely off the table as Zilisch adjusts to full-time Cup competition.” Trackhouse Racing is interested in attempting the Coca-Cola 600 and Indy 500 double in future years with Connor Zilisch. Next year is likely off the table as Zilisch adjusts to full time Cup competition. https://t.co/BP4X1wEgcU — Jayski (@jayski) November 10, 2025 ADVERTISEMENT This isn’t just talk; it’s a nod to the grueling 1,100-mile Memorial Day marathon that tests a driver both physically and mentally. Stewart pulled it off perfectly in 2001, finishing sixth at the Indy 500 on the lead lap before charging to third at Charlotte despite starting last after a travel scramble. Marks wants that very same legacy for Zilisch, believing the kid’s got all the ingredients and makes him the right fit to conquer the physical toll of helicopter travels, IV fluids, and back-to-back ovals. ADVERTISEMENT Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports Marks laid it out clearly, saying, “It’s not a secret that I would like our company to race the Indy 500. It’s got to be done the right way. I would like to do The Double.” He knows the risks all too well, watching Kyle Larson‘s 2024 Double attempt get washed by rain and 2025 crashes, which resulted in Larson’s confidence dip that led to his mid-season slump. Yet, for Zilisch, Marks sees a safer bet after he completes his rookie year with the Trackhouse team. ADVERTISEMENT The plan is to partner with a Chevy IndyCar team like Arrow McLaren by 2027 at the earliest, giving the 19-year-old time to build Cup rhythm. Stewart’s 2001 run, where he recovered from a lap-2 spin to lead laps at Charlotte, shows one can tolerate the physical toll if prepared smartly and efficiently. This is something that Marks also insists on, which he drew from Stewart’s exhausting 1999 double attempt, where he collapsed post-race because he didn’t prep properly. ADVERTISEMENT What seals it for Marks is Zilisch’s outlier edge. “The talent that is on its way up is as good as it’s ever been, and he’s just a true outlier. The way he’s been able to attack his rookie season, win at tracks he’s never been to before, but it’s also the stuff you can’t really see on TV. It’s his attitude, it’s his intelligence, how he approaches it and all that, his confidence; he will not be intimidated. I think he’s got all of the ingredients and tools necessary to be a huge star in this sport.” Mark’s words about Zilisch’s Xfinity dominance hit the perfect spot. Zilisch’s Xfinity season with ten wins and 20 top-fives proved that with proper training and prep time, Zilisch will not only attempt but also own the double. As one era of double-duty drama faded, another era surfaced with fresh faces ready to test the limits. Kyle Larson won’t return to The Double Kyle Larson confirmed he won’t chase the double in 2026, closing the book on his chaotic tries after back-to-back heartbreaks in 2024 and 2025. Rain stole his 2024 Charlotte start, while 2025 crashes at both tracks left him with morale dipping low. So Larson’s Hendrick team and McLaren partners agree mutually that it’s best to drop the idea of attempting double for the time being. Enter the next wave, with A. J. Allmendinger naming names in a Beyond the Flag sit-down. “If I had to choose one right now, maybe Christopher Bell… He’s super good at everything he does. Or one of those young guys like William Byron. Connor Zilisch, too. He’s so good. I’d be shocked if he doesn’t run the Double at some point. He’s that talented. And of course, guys like Kyle Busch might still think about it. But seeing the younger ones do it—they’ve got no fear—that’d be fun to watch.” Allmendinger’s pick hits home; Bell’s dirt racing style mirrors Larson’s, while Byron‘s iRacing roots scream adaptability. Yet Zilisch tops the buzz because of his multi-series wins, making him a no-brainer for Trackhouse’s Indy push.
