Rising Star Connor Zilisch Set for GTP Debut in 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona with Action Express Racing

Daytona Beach, FL – In a significant move for the emerging talent in motorsport, 19-year-old American driver 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. The announcement positions Zilisch, a prominent figure within the NASCAR landscape, to tackle one of North America’s most demanding endurance races in a top-tier prototype machine.

Zilisch will join the formidable Action Express Racing lineup for the 64th running of the classic endurance event. He is confirmed as a co-driver aboard the No. 31 Cadillac V-Series.R, sharing the cockpit with seasoned professionals Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, and Frederik Vesti. This assignment represents a considerable step up for the young driver, offering him the opportunity to contend for overall victory against a highly competitive international field.

This will be Zilisch’s third appearance at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, a testament to his rapid ascent through the ranks of professional racing. His debut in the event came in 2024 at the tender age of 17, where he made an immediate impact by securing a class victory in an LMP2 entry for Era Motorsport. His prowess in endurance racing was further underscored later that year with a class win at the 12 Hours of Sebring, also with Era Motorsport. In the 2025 edition of the Rolex 24, Zilisch piloted a Trackhouse Racing-prepared GTD Pro entry, a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, finishing ninth in class.

The transition to the GTP class for the 2026 Rolex 24 is particularly noteworthy. The GTP category, the pinnacle of IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competition, features cutting-edge hybrid prototypes from manufacturers like Cadillac, Porsche, BMW, and Acura. Zilisch’s prior experience in an LMP2 car and a GT3 machine provides a solid foundation, but the demands of a top-tier prototype, especially in a 24-hour race, present a unique challenge.

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His preparation for this endeavor has already begun. Zilisch participated in a November test session with Cadillac, gaining his initial official laps aboard the V-Series.R GTP car. This hands-on experience is crucial for acclimatizing to the car’s complex systems, aerodynamic characteristics, and the specific demands of prototype racing at high speeds.

Zilisch’s inclusion in the Rolex 24 GTP field places him in exclusive company. He joins AJ Allmendinger as one of the only full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers slated to compete in the 2026 event. This dual-discipline involvement highlights Zilisch’s versatility and ambition, bridging the gap between the highly popular stock car series and the sophisticated world of global sports car racing.

The 2026 season is set to be a pivotal year for Zilisch, as he is also scheduled to embark on his first full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing. This commitment underscores his status as one of NASCAR’s most promising young talents. His 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign was particularly impressive, yielding ten victories and a near-title triumph, where he narrowly missed out on the championship in a dramatic season finale.

Action Express Racing, the team Zilisch will represent at Daytona, boasts a rich history of success in IMSA competition. The team has secured multiple championships and major endurance race victories, including several Rolex 24 at Daytona wins. Their consistent performance and deep understanding of sports car racing make them a formidable platform for Zilisch’s GTP debut. The No. 31 entry has been a strong contender in recent seasons, and the addition of Zilisch to their driver roster alongside experienced campaigners like Aitken, Bamber, and Vesti signals their intent to vie for the top spot.

Jack Aitken, a former Formula 1 driver, brings extensive prototype and GT racing experience to the No. 31 Cadillac. Earl Bamber, a two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, is a recognized legend in endurance racing, renowned for his speed and consistency. Frederik Vesti, a rising star from European Formula 2, also brings a wealth of single-seater and GT experience, further bolstering the team’s capabilities. Zilisch’s role within this established quartet will be closely watched, as he navigates the complexities of GTP racing alongside drivers with proven track records at the highest level.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona serves as the season-opener for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and is a crucial event for manufacturers and teams seeking to establish early momentum. The race’s unique format, testing driver endurance, team strategy, and mechanical reliability over a full 24 hours, provides an unparalleled platform for showcasing driver talent. For Zilisch, competing in the GTP class at Daytona represents not just a personal milestone but also a significant opportunity to gain invaluable experience that could benefit his future career across multiple disciplines.

His past performances at Daytona International Speedway have been impactful. Winning in his debut at 17 years old demonstrated an innate talent for the challenging circuit and the pressures of endurance racing. His subsequent participation in the GTD Pro class further diversified his experience on the high-banked oval. Now, stepping into the ultimate class of IMSA prototype competition, Zilisch is poised to leverage this accumulated knowledge.

The strategic decision by Trackhouse Racing to support Zilisch’s endeavors in IMSA, alongside his full-time NASCAR Cup Series commitment, highlights a broader trend of driver development and cross-disciplinary opportunities within the motorsport landscape. Such programs allow drivers to hone their skills in different machinery and racing environments, potentially leading to a more well-rounded and adaptable competitor.

The 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona is still over a year away, but the early announcement of Zilisch’s participation in the GTP class with Action Express Racing has already generated considerable interest. His trajectory from LMP2 victor to GTP contender, while simultaneously navigating a full-time NASCAR Cup Series season, positions him as one of the most exciting prospects in contemporary motorsport. His performance in the No. 31 Cadillac V-Series.R will undoubtedly be a focal point for fans and analysts alike as the endurance racing classic approaches. The combination of his raw talent, rapid learning curve, and the support of a premier team like Action Express Racing suggests that Zilisch is well-prepared to make a significant mark in his GTP debut.