As the NASCAR world starts the countdown to the opening weekend of 2025, one big topic of discussion will be the young talent who will litter the garage area next season. Here are four young drivers from NASCAR’s top-three series to keep an eye on in 2025.
Corey Heim, No. 11 Toyota, TRICON Garage (Truck Series)
Heim will stay in the Truck Series for a third consecutive season in 2025, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he won half the races on the schedule. At this point, Heim is simply waiting for a Cup Series opportunity to open up, and 2025 gives him the opportunity to add to his trophy case and finally snag an elusive Truck Series championship.
Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Chevrolet, JR Motorsports (Xfinity Series)
Zilisch is rightfully touted as one of the top prospects in the sport. Few drivers go into their rookie season in any racing series as a championship favorite, but that’s the situation he’s in. If a win at Watkins Glen in his Xfinity Series debut was any indication, Zilisch is in for a huge rookie season.
Carson Kvapil, No. 1 Chevrolet, JR Motorsports (Xfinity Series)
Kvapil will race alongside Zilisch at JR Motorsports in 2025, and the pair have the chance to make major waves in their respective rookie seasons. Kvapil had an impressive 2024 season, collecting three top-five finishes and nearly winning in just his second Xfinity Series start at Dover. The future is extremely bright for JR Motorsports, and Kvapil’s raw talent is a major reason why.
Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Chevrolet, Spire Motorsports
The 2024 Cup Series Rookie of the Year will be back in 2025. Hocevar had a very impressive rookie season, and as Spire Motorsports continues to grow, he’ll only have better cars at his disposal. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Hocevar snag the first win of his Cup Series career next season, nor would it be surprising to see the No. 77 team make the Cup Series playoffs. For Hocevar, the sky is the limit in his second Cup Series campaign.
