Rising Star Connor Zilisch Set for Elite GTP Debut at 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Daytona Beach, Florida – In a significant move for the burgeoning career of one of motorsport’s most promising talents, 19-year-old Connor Zilisch has been confirmed to pilot an Action Express Racing Cadillac V-Series.R in the prestigious Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class at the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona. This marks Zilisch’s first foray into the pinnacle of IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competition, a crucial step that will see him contend for overall victory in the iconic endurance race. The announcement comes just weeks before his anticipated NASCAR Cup Series debut, highlighting Zilisch’s expanding versatility across multiple high-profile motorsport disciplines.

Zilisch, a standout performer in various racing series, will join a formidable lineup in the No. 31 Action Express Racing Cadillac V-Series.R. His teammates will include seasoned endurance racing veterans Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, and Frederik Vesti. This quartet represents a potent blend of experience and raw talent, aiming to challenge for one of the most coveted victories in sports car racing. The Rolex 24 at Daytona, a gruppetto of the world’s best drivers and manufacturers, serves as the curtain-raiser for the IMSA season and is renowned for its grueling nature and intense competition.

The young American’s journey to the GTP ranks has been marked by rapid progression and early success. In 2024, at the tender age of 17, Zilisch made a remarkable debut in the Rolex 24, securing a class victory in the LMP2 category with Era Motorsport. This auspicious start was followed by another triumph in the 12 Hours of Sebring that same year, underscoring his immediate impact on the sports car scene. In 2025, Zilisch transitioned to a Trackhouse Racing-prepared GTD Pro entry, piloting a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R. While he finished ninth in class in that outing, the experience further broadened his skillset and acclimatized him to the intricacies of GT racing.

The 2026 Rolex 24 will represent a significant step up for Zilisch, transitioning from class contention to competing for the overall win against the elite GTP machinery. He has already received valuable track time in the Cadillac V-Series.R, participating in a November test session with Cadillac where he logged his initial official laps in the cutting-edge prototype. This early familiarity with the car and its performance characteristics will be a significant asset as he prepares for the demanding 24-hour race.

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Zilisch’s inclusion in the Rolex 24 GTP field positions him alongside AJ Allmendinger as one of the only full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers participating in the 64th running of the endurance classic. This dual commitment reflects the increasing crossover between NASCAR and sports car racing, with drivers seeking to broaden their experience and showcase their talent on different stages. The Rolex 24 at Daytona offers a unique challenge, demanding not only speed and precision but also exceptional stamina, strategic thinking, and teamwork over an extended period.

The significance of Zilisch’s upcoming full-time NASCAR Cup Series season with Trackhouse Racing cannot be overstated. Having narrowly missed out on the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series title despite winning ten races, he has cemented his status as one of the brightest prospects in stock car racing. His transition to the Cup Series in the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 represents the culmination of years of dedication and a testament to his exceptional talent. The opportunity to compete at the highest level of NASCAR while simultaneously tackling the challenges of top-tier sports car racing demonstrates a rare level of ambition and capability.

Action Express Racing, the team Zilisch will join for the Rolex 24, boasts a decorated history in IMSA competition. The team has been a dominant force in prototype racing for over a decade, accumulating multiple championships and major victories, including several Rolex 24 at Daytona triumphs. Their expertise in preparing and running GTP machinery, coupled with their deep understanding of endurance racing strategy, provides Zilisch with an ideal platform to make his mark in the premier class. The technical partnership with Cadillac, a manufacturer with a strong heritage in motorsport, further bolsters the No. 31 team’s championship aspirations.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is more than just a race; it is a proving ground for drivers and manufacturers alike. The circuit, a blend of high-speed banking and technical infield sections, tests the limits of both man and machine. The unpredictable nature of a 24-hour race, with varying weather conditions, traffic, and the ever-present risk of mechanical failures, demands unwavering focus and adaptability. For a young driver like Zilisch, navigating these challenges alongside experienced teammates offers an invaluable learning experience that will undoubtedly shape his development as a professional racer.

The recent surge in manufacturer interest and investment in the GTP class, with marques like Cadillac, Porsche, BMW, and Acura fielding cutting-edge prototypes, has elevated the competition to unprecedented levels. The 2026 Rolex 24 is expected to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent memory, with a deep and talented field of drivers and factory-backed entries. Zilisch’s presence in this elite group signifies his arrival as a significant player in the global motorsport landscape.

His previous experience in the Rolex 24, particularly his class win in LMP2, has provided him with a foundational understanding of the race’s unique demands. This includes managing traffic, conserving the car, and adapting to the rhythm of a multi-class endurance event. His GTD Pro experience from 2025 will also contribute to his understanding of the nuances of GT car dynamics and racing against a different set of competitors. However, the GTP class presents a distinct set of challenges, with significantly higher speeds, more complex aerodynamic packages, and the pressure of competing for the overall win against the world’s best sports car drivers.

The opportunity to test the Cadillac V-Series.R ahead of the race is a strategic advantage for Zilisch. It allows him to familiarize himself with the car’s handling characteristics, braking points, and power delivery in a controlled environment. This hands-on experience is crucial for building confidence and developing a rapport with the engineers and mechanics who will be supporting him throughout the race weekend.

As Zilisch prepares for his dual campaigns in NASCAR and IMSA, his career trajectory is being closely watched by motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. His ability to excel in such different, yet equally demanding, disciplines speaks volumes about his talent, work ethic, and adaptability. The 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona promises to be a pivotal moment in his journey, offering him a chance to etch his name into the history books of one of motorsport’s most revered events. The combination of his youthful exuberance, innate talent, and the support of a top-tier team like Action Express Racing positions him as a formidable contender, even in his first outing in the GTP class. The race is scheduled to take place on January 24-25, 2026, at Daytona International Speedway.