A Rookie’s View on NASCAR’s Practice Expansion
Connor Zilisch, the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series rookie, has thrown his weight behind the series’ decision to lengthen practice sessions for the remainder of the season. In a recent interview, the driver said the extra track time is a lifeline for younger competitors and teams still figuring out their setups.
Zilisch explained that more laps give crews the chance to experiment with tire combinations, fine‑tune aerodynamic balance and collect raw data before the pressure of qualifying hits. “When you’re still searching for speed, every additional minute on the circuit is a chance to learn,” he said.
The rookie’s own statistics underline the challenge he faces. After 22 Cup starts, Zilisch averages a 25.4 starting position and finishes around 28.13, with just a single top‑10 finish and eight DNFs. The numbers reflect a steep learning curve, especially when moving from the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series where the competition pool is narrower.
The Jump from Development to the Cup Level
According to Zilisch, the step up to the Cup Series brings a depth of talent that makes every position hard to secure. The Next Gen car, with its unique handling characteristics, adds another layer of complexity that was absent in the lower series.
Trackhouse Racing, the team Zilisch drives for, has been working to close the performance gap. The extra practice windows are expected to give the organization more flexibility to adjust suspension, brake cooling and engine mapping, all of which can shave seconds off lap times.
NASCAR officials say the expanded practice schedule is part of a broader effort to support teams that are still maturing, especially those that lack the resources of the established powerhouses. For Zilisch and his peers, the added sessions could be the difference between a season of growth and one of stagnation.