Rising NASCAR star Connor Zilisch Earns Coveted Daytona LMDh Prototype Test Amidst Endurance Racing Aspirations

Daytona Beach, FL – Nineteen-year-old sensation Connor Zilisch, fresh off a strong showing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, is set to make his debut in a top-tier LMDh prototype, piloting the #31 Action Express Racing Cadillac V-Series.R during the IMSA-sanctioned test at Daytona International Speedway from November 14th to 16th. This significant opportunity, shared with seasoned drivers Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, and Frederik Vesti, is being closely watched as Zilisch is being evaluated for a potential seat in the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona next year, a cornerstone event in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Zilisch, already a proven contender in sports car racing with two LMP2 class victories to his name in the current IMSA season, expressed his enthusiasm for the potential career advancement. "Hopefully, we’re going to make the most of it and see if this can lead to more opportunities for me in the Cadillac, because it would be super cool for me to be able to race at the highest levels of endurance racing," Zilisch stated, underscoring his long-held ambition to compete at the pinnacle of global endurance motorsport.

The timing of this Daytona test holds particular significance, as it follows closely on the heels of Zilisch being denied an opportunity to test the Cadillac LMDh in the World Endurance Championship’s Bahrain rookie test. That setback was attributed to a deficiency in ACCUS (Automobile Competition Committee for the United States) license points, a requirement often tied to consistent participation and success in specific racing disciplines.

Zilisch was a front-runner for the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship this season. However, the title ultimately eluded him, with Jesse Love clinching the championship. This outcome, while a testament to Love’s performance, also meant Zilisch fell short of accumulating the necessary ACCUS license points that would have facilitated his participation in the Bahrain test. The NASCAR playoff system, which can sometimes lead to unexpected championship outcomes based on performance during the playoff period rather than the entire season, played a role in this scenario.

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Looking ahead, Zilisch has a firmly established path within NASCAR, with plans to ascend to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026 under the banner of Trackhouse Racing. He is widely anticipated to succeed Daniel Suarez within the team’s lineup, marking another significant step in his burgeoning career.

The Daytona test will also feature another notable talent making their first appearance in the Cadillac V-Series.R: Colton Herta. While primarily known as a Formula 1 reserve driver for Cadillac, Herta is charting a course towards Formula 2 next year, with his ultimate goal being a career in Formula Grand Prix racing. Herta, a previous victor of the 2024 Sebring 12 Hours driving for Acura and possessing prior experience in the BMW M Hybrid V8, will be testing with Wayne Taylor Racing during the official IMSA session at the historic Florida circuit.

The #31 Cadillac V-Series.R is a formidable contender in the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Action Express Racing, the team fielding the car, boasts a rich history of success in endurance racing, including multiple championships and victories at iconic events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The Cadillac V-Series.R itself is a highly sophisticated LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h) prototype, designed to compete at the forefront of global sports car racing under the unified LMDh regulations, which allow manufacturers to contest both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship with a single car platform. These regulations aim to foster closer competition and reduce development costs for manufacturers.

The V-Series.R is powered by a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, supplemented by a standardized hybrid powertrain system. This advanced technology allows for potent performance and efficient energy deployment, crucial elements for success in the demanding environment of 24-hour races. The car’s development has been a collaborative effort, involving Cadillac’s motorsport division and chassis partner Dallara, with the goal of creating a race-winning machine capable of challenging the sport’s most established manufacturers.

The inclusion of experienced drivers like Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, and Frederik Vesti alongside Zilisch provides a crucial mentorship and performance benchmark. Aitken, a former Formula 1 driver, has extensive experience in GT racing and has recently transitioned to prototype competition. Bamber, a former Le Mans 24 Hours winner and multiple sports car champion, brings invaluable knowledge of endurance racing strategy and car control. Vesti, a highly-rated young driver who has competed in Formula 2, is also a rising star in the world of motorsport. Their presence alongside Zilisch will offer him the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the discipline.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona, the race for which Zilisch is being evaluated, is renowned for its challenging nature. The race demands not only raw speed but also exceptional reliability, strategic prowess, and the ability of all drivers to perform consistently over a full 24-hour period. The track itself, with its high-speed banking and tight infield sections, presents a unique test for both man and machine. The intense competition in the GTP class typically sees a host of manufacturers vying for supremacy, including Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, Acura, and Lamborghini, making any potential entry a highly competitive endeavor.

Zilisch’s foray into LMDh machinery represents a significant cross-disciplinary move. While NASCAR and top-tier sports car prototypes operate under vastly different regulations and driving techniques, the fundamental skills of racecraft, car control, and the ability to manage tires and fuel over long stints are transferable. His prior success in LMP2, a category that serves as a stepping stone to the top GTP class, has already demonstrated his aptitude for endurance racing.

The outcome of this Daytona test will be keenly observed by motorsport enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. For Zilisch, it represents a pivotal moment in his career, offering a potential pathway to compete on the global stage of sports car endurance racing, a discipline that has captivated audiences for decades and continues to evolve with cutting-edge technology and fiercely competitive fields. His performance in the Cadillac V-Series.R will undoubtedly be a key factor in determining his future within the Cadillac racing program and the broader world of international motorsport.