Connor Zilisch To Compete In Coca-Cola 600 With Trackhouse Racing, Red Bull

Red Bull is expanding its precense in Nascar once again. For the third time this year, the energy drink brand will sponsor a Trackhouse Racing entry.

The team owned by Justin Marks announced on Thursday that Connor Zilisch will return to the Nascar Cup Series on Memorial Day Weekend to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 in the No. 87 Chevrolet with Red Bull as the primary sponsor.

“It’s awesome to have the opportunity to race in one of Nascar’s coolest events,” Zilisch said in a statement. “The Charlotte 600 is one of the most prestigious races in Nascar. It’s going to be a physical and mental challenge because that race is so tough. I’m very appreciative for (Trackhouse owner and founder) Justin (Marks) and everyone at Red Bull for their support and turning this opportunity into a reality.”

Zilisch made his Cup Series debut at Circuit of the Americas earlier this year. He finished 37th after being involved in a crash.

Red Bull announced it will have an expanded precense on Shane van Gisbergen’s No. 88 Chevrolet throughout the season. After sponsoring van Gisbergen at Las Vegas, the brand will be on his car at Sonoma, Iowa, Daytona and Kansas.

Until this year, Red Bull had not been a primary sponsor on a Nascar Cup Series car since Red Bull Racing shut down at the end of the 2011 season. The team competed from 2007 through the end of 2011, winning races with Brian Vickers and Kasey Kahne.

Zilisch is competing full time in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports. He has already locked in a spot for the playoffs via a win at COTA. He has spent the first part of his rookie season honing in on his craft at oval tracks. Last weekend at Martinsville, he led 100 of 256 laps after sitting on the pole.

Van Gisbergen, meanwhile, is competing for the Rookie of the Year Award, but he has struggled to adjust to full-time Cup competition. He is 34th in the standings after seven races, with four straight finishes of 31st or worse.