When a NASCAR legend like Kenny Wallace shares his picks for the next generation of racing stars, the entire fanbase pays attention. In a recent YouTube video, Wallace enthusiastically unveiled his list of the three hottest talents he believes will shape the future of the sport—and his No. 1 will surprise just about everyone. Let’s break down what makes each driver special, how the NASCAR Next Gen Car and the changing business of racing are fueling their rise, and why overlooked names are sometimes the most dangerous to bet against.
No. 3: Corey Day—The Dirt Prodigy With Huge Upside
Kenny Wallace rounded out his list with Corey Day, best known for dominating in open-wheel dirt racing. Day’s blazing speed and car control remind many of a young Kyle Larson, but Wallace noted the same hurdles that stalled careers of other dirt legends like Sammy Swindell:
“He’s got to get on asphalt early if he wants to be a NASCAR hero.” Day’s career is supported by Hendrick Motorsports, but Kenny and Kyle Larson both agree: Corey’s open-wheel skills must be matched by progress on pavement. This is how so many underrated NASCAR drivers got lost in the shuffle—they never got enough asphalt experience in their youth and couldn’t adapt to stock cars in time to reach their full Cup potential.
No. 2: Corey Heim—Truck Series Dominance Demands a Cup Ride
Wallace’s second choice, Corey Heim, has taken the Craftsman Truck Series by storm—winning nine races in just one season, tying a record set by Greg Biffle. With his maturity and technical prowess, Heim caught Denny Hamlin’s attention as “a really mature driver for his age.” Rumor has it Heim is headed to 23XI Racing, the powerhouse team co-owned by Hamlin and Michael Jordan.
Kenny warns that Heim, at 23, is already considered “old” by today’s team owners, who are obsessed with pushing younger drivers into the spotlight. This reflects a shifting business of racing: manufacturers and teams increasingly bet on youth, hoping to capture new markets and secure sponsors for years to come.
No. 1: Connor Zilisch—Worldly, Versatile, Ready for Cup Glory
Connor Zilisch in Victory Lane (getty images)
The real shocker was Wallace’s top pick: Connor Zilisch. At only 18, Zilisch already commands respect with his ability to win on both ovals and road courses—an extremely valuable skill in the Next Gen Car era, where versatility and precise technique are rewarded. Zilisch gained international polish training in Europe and boasts praise from F1 ace Max Verstappen.
Wallace explains, “Connor gave me respect at Rockingham and can flat-out drive anything…he gets it done on ovals, road courses, you name it.” He’s tapped to join Trackhouse in the Cup Series next year, and Wallace thinks Zilisch’s maturity and versatility make him the most promising of NASCAR’s emerging talent pool.
Kenny Wallace’s Top 3 Young NASCAR Drivers
| Rank | Driver | Age | Key Strengths | Cup Series Outlook |
| 1 | Connor Zilisch | 18 | Versatile, worldly, winning now | Trackhouse Cup ride |
| 2 | Corey Heim | 23 | Truck win dominance, mature | 23XI target, Cup-ready |
| 3 | Corey Day | 19* | Open-wheel ace, raw speed | Needs asphalt experience |
(*Estimated. Actual age may vary.)
Why These Picks Matter for NASCAR’s Future?
Wallace’s list highlights the changing face of NASCAR—one where global training, adaptability, and youth dominate the headlines. The Next Gen Car helps level the playing field by demanding new technical skills and making it possible for versatile young drivers to leap ahead of older veterans.
As the sport’s economics shift, teams seek drivers who not only win races but can build a brand, attract sponsors, and adapt to the ever-evolving business strategies behind the scenes. It’s why identifying underrated NASCAR drivers and future stars is more critical—and unpredictable—than ever.