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Daytona Beach, FL – In a significant move that underscores his rapidly ascending career, 19-year-old phenom Connor Zilisch is slated to compete in the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2026, marking his debut in the premier Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class. This highly anticipated entry with Action Express Racing places Zilisch behind the wheel of the No. 31 Cadillac V-Series.R, a formidable machine with a proven track record in IMSA’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Zilisch, a key figure within the Trackhouse Racing stable, will join a formidable driver lineup for the iconic endurance race, co-driving with seasoned professionals Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, and Frederik Vesti. This will be Zilisch’s third appearance in the historic 24-hour marathon, a testament to his early success and rapid integration into top-tier motorsport disciplines. His previous campaigns have already yielded impressive results, hinting at his potential to contend for overall victory in the GTP category.
The young driver first made his mark at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2024, achieving an immediate triumph in his debut. At just 17 years old, Zilisch was part of the Era Motorsport LMP2 team that clinched a class victory. This success was swiftly followed by another class win at the 2024 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, further solidifying his reputation as a talent capable of performing under pressure in endurance racing. In 2025, Zilisch gained further experience in a Trackhouse-prepared GTD Pro entry, piloting a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R and securing a ninth-place finish in class.
The 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona will represent a significant step up for Zilisch, as he transitions from the GT classes and LMP2 to the pinnacle of sports car racing, the GTP class. This category features the most advanced prototypes, offering a direct shot at the coveted overall win. Zilisch has already received a taste of the Cadillac V-Series.R, having participated in a crucial November test session with Cadillac. This opportunity provided him with his first official laps in the car, allowing him to familiarize himself with its intricate dynamics and performance characteristics ahead of his competitive debut.
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Zilisch’s inclusion in the 64th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona positions him among an elite group of drivers. He will be one of only two full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers participating in the event, alongside the highly respected AJ Allmendinger. This dual-discipline participation highlights the growing crossover between NASCAR and sports car racing, with drivers seeking to broaden their skill sets and challenge themselves across different motorsport disciplines.
His involvement in the Rolex 24 at Daytona comes on the heels of a highly competitive 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, where Zilisch showcased exceptional speed and race craft, securing ten victories. Although he narrowly missed out on the series championship, his performance has cemented his status as one of NASCAR’s brightest prospects. For 2026, Zilisch is set to embark on his inaugural full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing. This transition to the premier NASCAR division represents the culmination of his development within the stock car ranks.
Action Express Racing, the team Zilisch will join for the Rolex 24, is a well-established and highly successful organization within IMSA. The team has a rich history of achievements in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, including multiple championship titles and victories in major endurance events. Their partnership with Cadillac in the GTP class has yielded significant success, making the No. 31 entry a consistent contender. The team’s technical expertise and Zilisch’s raw talent create a compelling combination for the challenges of the Rolex 24.
The Rolex 24 at Daytona is renowned for its demanding nature, testing not only the endurance of the cars and drivers but also the strategic capabilities of the teams. The event serves as the traditional curtain-raiser for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season and attracts a global field of top drivers and manufacturers. For Zilisch, a strong performance in the GTP class would further enhance his burgeoning reputation as a versatile and exceptionally talented young racer.
His prior experience in endurance racing has been instrumental in his development. The early success in LMP2 and GTD Pro classes at Daytona and Sebring has provided him with invaluable insights into race strategy, tire management, and the art of co-driving over extended periods. These experiences are directly transferable to the GTP category, where seamless driver changes and consistent lap times are paramount.
The inclusion of Zilisch in the No. 31 Action Express Racing Cadillac V-Series.R underscores the team’s confidence in his abilities and his potential to contribute to their pursuit of victory. The pairing of Zilisch with experienced drivers like Aitken, Bamber, and Vesti will provide him with a wealth of knowledge and support, allowing him to learn and adapt quickly to the demands of the GTP class. Aitken, a former Formula 1 driver, brings a wealth of single-seater and sports car experience. Bamber, a Le Mans winner and former IMSA champion, is a proven endurance racing stalwart. Vesti, a rising star in European single-seater racing, offers fresh perspective and competitive drive.
The decision to compete in the Rolex 24 at Daytona while simultaneously preparing for a full-time NASCAR Cup Series campaign highlights Zilisch’s ambition and his commitment to excelling in multiple motorsport disciplines. This ambitious schedule is not uncommon for drivers aiming for a comprehensive career in motorsports, but it requires exceptional dedication and a high level of performance across the board.
The November test session provided a critical foundation for Zilisch’s preparation. The intricacies of a GTP car, with its hybrid powertrain and advanced aerodynamics, differ significantly from the machinery he typically pilots in NASCAR. The opportunity to gather data, refine his driving style, and build rapport with the Action Express Racing engineers and crew was crucial for optimizing his readiness for the race.
The 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona promises to be a significant milestone in Connor Zilisch’s career. His progression from an LMP2 class winner to a GTP contender in just a few years is a testament to his prodigious talent and unwavering dedication. As he prepares to share the driving duties in the No. 31 Cadillac, all eyes will be on this young sensation as he aims to make his mark on the grandest stage of North American sports car racing. His journey from karting prodigy to a multi-discipline racing prospect continues to captivate the motorsport world, with the Rolex 24 at Daytona serving as his next major proving ground.
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