Rick Hendrick questions Connor Zilisch's Indy 500 ambitions amid NASCAR focus

Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, expressed skepticism regarding Connor Zilisch's aspirations to compete in the Indy 500. Hendrick stated he would need 'a lot of convincing' for Zilisch to pursue the open-wheel race despite Zilisch's karting background and desire to eventually explore this path. Zilisch, who joined HMS for the 2028 season, confirmed his commitment to NASCAR while dealing with struggles in the Cup Series, including eight DNFs this season. He remains focused on improving his performance before considering any pursuits outside NASCAR. Zilisch's previous participation in the Rolex 24 at Daytona saw him finish second overall, highlighting his versatility in motorsports.

• 8:40 AMYahoo Sports — Connor Zilisch’s Indy 500 Ambitions Hit a Wall As Rick Hendrick Delivers Blunt Verdict