NASCAR prospect Connor Zilisch to Make LMDh Prototype Debut at Daytona Test

Daytona Beach, FL – Rising NASCAR star Connor Zilisch is set to embark on a significant step in his motorsport career, participating in an IMSA-sanctioned test of the Cadillac V-Series.R LMDh prototype at Daytona International Speedway from November 14-16. The 19-year-old, who finished as the runner-up in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, will share the #31 Action Express Racing machine with established endurance racing veterans Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, and Frederik Vesti.

This opportunity marks Zilisch’s first experience behind the wheel of an LMDh prototype, a class representing the pinnacle of sports car racing under the global Hypercar regulations. The test is understood to be an evaluation for a potential full-time drive in the prestigious GTP (Grand Touring Prototype) class with the factory Cadillac squad for the 2025 season, including the iconic Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Zilisch 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. That’s always been a dream of mine."

The Daytona test comes shortly after Zilisch was denied a similar opportunity to test the Cadillac LMDh in the World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) Bahrain rookie test. That exclusion was reportedly due to insufficient ACCUS (Automobile Competition Committee for the United States) license points, a consequence of the NASCAR playoff system’s impact on his final championship standing.

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Zilisch was a strong contender for the NASCAR Xfinity Series title, ultimately finishing second to Jesse Love. The nuances of NASCAR’s playoff format, which emphasizes wins and playoff performance over consistent season-long results, meant Zilisch did not accumulate the required ACCUS points for the WEC test, despite a highly competitive season.

The young American is already a proven winner in IMSA competition, having secured two victories in the LMP2 class of the IMSA SportsCar Championship this season. This existing experience in sports car racing provides a foundation for his transition into the GTP category.

Looking ahead, Zilisch is slated for a significant promotion within the NASCAR ranks, with plans to join Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026. He is widely considered a potential successor to Daniel Suarez at the team.

Joining Zilisch in the Cadillac V-Series.R at the Daytona test will be a formidable lineup of talent. Jack Aitken, a former Formula 1 driver, has extensive experience in GT and prototype racing, including stints in the WEC. Earl Bamber is a two-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and a former IMSA GTP champion. Frederik Vesti, a Danish driver, has recently been a prominent figure in Formula 2 and serves as a Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 reserve driver.

The test session will also feature Colton Herta, a prominent American racing driver and current Cadillac Racing ambassador. Herta, who is transitioning to Formula 2 next year to pursue his Formula 1 aspirations, will be driving the V-Series.R for Wayne Taylor Racing during the official IMSA test. Herta has prior success in sports car racing, notably winning the 2024 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring for Acura and competing with the BMW M Hybrid V8. His participation alongside Zilisch highlights Cadillac’s commitment to evaluating diverse and talented drivers for its top-tier prototype program.

Action Express Racing, the team Zilisch will be testing with, is a highly decorated organization in IMSA. The team has a rich history of success in prototype racing, including multiple victories in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and championships in the Daytona Prototype and GT classes. Their experience preparing and campaigning the Cadillac V-Series.R makes them an ideal environment for Zilisch to showcase his abilities.

The Cadillac V-Series.R itself is a proven contender in the IMSA GTP and WEC Hypercar championships. Developed by Cadillac Racing in collaboration with Dallara, the car is powered by a 5.5-liter V8 engine paired with an electric hybrid system. It has demonstrated strong performance and reliability since its debut, competing against established manufacturers such as Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, and Toyota.

For Zilisch, this test represents a crucial opportunity to demonstrate his adaptability and skill across different disciplines of motorsport. While his primary focus remains on his burgeoning NASCAR career, the allure of endurance racing at the highest level is a significant draw. The Rolex 24 at Daytona, in particular, is one of the most challenging and prestigious endurance races in the world, demanding precision, endurance, and strategic prowess from its drivers.

The ACCUS license point system, which played a role in his WEC test exclusion, is designed to ensure drivers possess adequate experience and a proven track record before competing in international championships. Zilisch’s strong performances in IMSA LMP2, coupled with his upcoming Cup Series future, indicate a trajectory that would likely satisfy such requirements in the near future, provided he continues to achieve success and accumulate the necessary certifications.

The inclusion of Zilisch in this high-profile test underscores the growing trend of crossover talent in global motorsport, where drivers are increasingly seeking opportunities to compete across various categories. His performance at Daytona will be closely watched by team principals, engineers, and fans alike, as it could signal the next chapter in the career of one of America’s most promising young racing talents. The insights gained from this test will be invaluable for both Zilisch as he adapts to a new form of racing and for Cadillac as they finalize their driver lineups for the demanding 2025 season.