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Daytona Beach, FL – In a significant career progression, 19-year-old Connor Zilisch, a highly-touted prospect within the NASCAR ranks, is slated to make his debut in the top-tier GTP (Grand Touring Prototype) class at the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona. The announcement confirms Zilisch’s participation in the prestigious IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season opener, scheduled to take place just weeks before his anticipated maiden full-time NASCAR Cup Series season.
Zilisch will pilot the No. 31 Action Express Racing Cadillac V-Series.R, a formidable machine competing at the pinnacle of North American sports car racing. He will share driving duties with a formidable lineup of seasoned sports car veterans: Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, and Frederik Vesti. This marks Zilisch’s third appearance in the historic 24-hour endurance race, a testament to his rapid ascent through motorsport disciplines.
His prior Rolex 24 performances have already showcased his prodigious talent. At the remarkable age of 17, Zilisch secured a class victory in his debut in 2024, driving an LMP2 entry for Era Motorsport. This initial triumph was followed by another significant achievement in the same year: a class win at the Twelve Hours of Sebring, further solidifying his credentials in endurance racing. In the most recent 2025 edition of the Rolex 24, Zilisch competed in a Trackhouse-prepared GTD Pro entry, piloting a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R and finishing ninth in class.
The 2026 Rolex 24 will represent a pivotal moment in Zilisch’s career, as it will be his first foray into the premier GTP category. This class features the most advanced and potent prototypes, offering Zilisch a direct shot at competing for the overall victory against established international sports car manufacturers and their elite driver rosters. His preparation for this challenge has already begun; he participated in a crucial November test session with Cadillac, gaining invaluable first official laps in the V-Series.R prototype.
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Zilisch’s inclusion in the 2026 Rolex 24 field places him in select company. He joins AJ Allmendinger as one of only two full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers confirmed to compete in the 64th running of the classic endurance event. This dual commitment highlights the growing crossover appeal and strategic importance of major sports car races for emerging stars in stock car racing.
The young driver’s trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. Zilisch has established himself as one of NASCAR’s most exciting prospects. He recently concluded a highly successful 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, where he achieved ten victories. Despite his impressive win count, he narrowly missed out on securing the series championship in a hard-fought season finale.
Looking ahead to 2026, Zilisch is set to embark on his first full-time campaign in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing. This move to the premier NASCAR division underscores his potential and the significant investment by his team in his future. His commitment to the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the GTP class demonstrates a broader ambition to compete and excel across multiple high-profile motorsport platforms.
Action Express Racing, Zilisch’s team for the Rolex 24, is a perennial contender in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The team has a rich history of success, including multiple championships and victories in major endurance races, most notably at Daytona. Their partnership with Cadillac in the GTP era signifies a strong commitment to performance and innovation. The Cadillac V-Series.R, developed in conjunction with Dallara, is a sophisticated hybrid prototype designed to compete against the likes of Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, and other global automotive giants in the hypercar era of sports car racing.
The Rolex 24 at Daytona is renowned as one of the world’s premier endurance races, serving as the traditional curtain-raiser for the IMSA season. It tests the endurance of drivers, teams, and machinery over a grueling 24-hour period on the iconic Daytona International Speedway road course. The race often features a diverse field of cars, from the cutting-edge GTP prototypes to GT3-spec cars in the GTD and GTD Pro classes, providing a comprehensive challenge that attracts global talent.
Zilisch’s experience in LMP2, a prototype class that sits below GTP in the IMSA hierarchy, provided him with crucial experience in prototype racing dynamics, including managing traffic, energy deployment, and multi-class racing. His GTD Pro campaign in a production-based GT3 car offered further insight into the nuances of different car types and the strategic demands of GT racing. The transition to GTP represents the apex of this learning curve, requiring a deep understanding of hybrid powertrain management, aerodynamic intricacies, and the sustained pace needed to challenge for overall victory.
The presence of Zilisch, a young driver with a rapidly growing reputation, in the GTP class of the Rolex 24 at Daytona signals a new era of talent infusion into top-tier sports car racing. His success in NASCAR, coupled with his prior achievements in IMSA, positions him as a driver to watch not only in stock cars but also on the international sports car stage. The 2026 Rolex 24 will undoubtedly be a key benchmark in his multifaceted motorsport journey.
The specific dynamics of the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona will be influenced by several factors, including the evolving performance of the GTP car manufacturers, potential rule clarifications from IMSA, and the strategic decisions made by teams like Action Express Racing. Zilisch’s ability to adapt quickly to the demands of the V-Series.R, alongside his experienced teammates, will be critical. The race is known for its unpredictable nature, often characterized by changing weather conditions, numerous safety car periods, and intense on-track battles that can extend to the final laps.
For Action Express Racing, fielding Zilisch in the No. 31 entry alongside seasoned professionals like Aitken, Bamber, and Vesti offers a blend of raw talent and proven endurance racing acumen. Aitken, a former Formula 1 driver, brings a wealth of experience in high-level single-seater and sports car competition. Bamber, a former Le Mans 24 Hours winner, is a known quantity in endurance racing, celebrated for his speed and consistency. Vesti, a rising star from Formula 2, adds a youthful dynamism and a hunger for success. Zilisch’s integration into this established quartet will be closely observed.
The synergy between NASCAR and IMSA continues to strengthen, with events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona providing a valuable platform for drivers to hone their skills in different racing disciplines. This crossover often leads to a richer, more competitive motorsport landscape, benefiting fans and participants alike. Zilisch’s dual commitment to both the pinnacle of NASCAR and the highest echelon of sports car racing exemplifies this trend and highlights his ambition to become a versatile and dominant force in motorsport. His debut in the GTP class at Daytona is not just another race; it is a significant statement of intent and a glimpse into the future of a driver destined for considerable success.
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