Connor Zilisch and Kevin Harvick Talk Rookie Year Pressure and Big Expectations

Kevin Harvick sits down with rising NASCAR talent Connor Zilisch ahead of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season on this episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, diving into how Zilisch is preparing for the biggest opportunity of his young career. Zilisch reflects on his unconventional path to NASCAR, admitting he never expected to be racing stock cars, and discusses how Harvick’s mentorship helped guide key decisions along the way. The conversation explores his goals with Trackhouse Racing, what it means to represent Red Bull at the Cup level, and how he plans to handle expectations entering a new season. From career-defining advice to long-term aspirations, the interview offers insight into one of the sport’s most promising young drivers as he prepares to take the next step in 2026. Chapters: 🏁 0:00 - Intro 🏁 0:34 - Connor Zilisch Joins The Show! 🏁 1:59 - Early Journey In Racing 🏁 12:19 - Racing For Justin Marks 🏁 14:28 - Transitioning To A Full-Time Cup Series Driver 🏁 16:20 - Expectations For This Season 🏁 20:36 - Biggest Critics 🏁 22:27 - Using Data #KevinHarvick #NASCARonFOX #NASCAR #ConnorZilisch SUBSCRIBE for more from Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour:    / @harvickhappypod   The FOX Sports App, built for the modern sports fan: https://t.co/CRhWt4ryp3 ►FOX Sports YouTube channel: http://foxs.pt/SubscribeFOXSPORTS ►NASCAR on FOX’s YouTube channel: https://foxs.pt/SubscribeNASCARonFOX ►CFB ON FOX YouTube channel: https://foxs.pt/SubscribeCFBonFOX About Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour: NASCAR legend and Former Cup Series Champion Kevin Harvick gives his expert opinion on the top NASCAR storylines weekly alongside FOX Sports’ Kaitlyn Vincie and NASCAR’s Chief Hype Officer, Mamba Smith. Connor Zilisch and Kevin Harvick Talk Rookie Year Pressure and Big Expectations    / @harvickhappypod