rifan muazin
Daytona Beach, FL – In a significant development for both endurance racing and NASCAR’s burgeoning talent pool, 19-year-old Connor Zilisch is slated to make his debut in the top-tier Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class at the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona. The announcement confirms Zilisch will pilot the No. 31 Action Express Racing Cadillac V-Series.R, a move that propels the young phenom into contention for outright victory in the iconic IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season opener.
This will mark Zilisch’s third appearance in the prestigious 24-hour race, a testament to his rapid ascent through the ranks of motorsport. His previous outings have already showcased his precocious talent and race-winning pedigree. In his debut at the 2024 Rolex 24, then just 17 years old, Zilisch secured a class victory in the highly competitive LMP2 category, driving for Era Motorsport. This remarkable achievement was followed by another class win later that year in the 12 Hours of Sebring with the same team, solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in prototype machinery.
The 2025 Rolex 24 saw Zilisch transition to a GTD Pro entry, campaigning a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R prepared by his NASCAR team, Trackhouse Racing. While he and his co-drivers ultimately finished ninth in class, the experience provided valuable data and further insight into the intricacies of sports car racing at the highest level. However, 2026 represents a crucial step forward as Zilisch will now compete for the overall win against the world’s elite manufacturers and drivers in the GTP category.
His participation in the GTP class comes on the heels of a recent November test session with Cadillac, where Zilisch logged his first official laps aboard the potent Cadillac V-Series.R. This test provided him with crucial familiarity with the car’s characteristics and the specific demands of GTP competition, setting the stage for his highly anticipated race debut in the class.
Related News :
- NASCAR Community Mourns Loss of Denny Hamlin’s Father Following Devastating House Fire
- Hendrick Motorsports Engineer Tapped as Ross Chastain’s New Crew Chief for 2026 Season
- Remembering Greg Biffle: NASCAR champion and Hurricane Helene hero
- Kohr Motorsports to Unveil Greg Biffle Tribute Livery at Daytona Road Course
- NASCAR’s Defense Begins Amidst Financial Discrepancies in Landmark Antitrust Trial
Zilisch’s inclusion in the 2026 Rolex 24 lineup places him in esteemed company. He joins AJ Allmendinger as one of only two full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers confirmed to participate in the 64th running of the historic endurance classic. This dual-series engagement highlights the growing crossover appeal and the increasing recognition of drivers who can excel across different disciplines of motorsport.
The young driver’s career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. Prior to his foray into sports car racing, Zilisch established himself as a dominant force in karting and lower-tier stock car divisions. He amassed ten victories in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, a remarkable performance that underscored his immense potential. While he narrowly missed out on the series championship in a thrilling season finale, his consistent speed and racecraft drew significant attention from top NASCAR teams.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Zilisch is set to embark on his first full-time campaign in the NASCAR Cup Series, piloting the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing. This significant step into NASCAR’s premier division, coupled with his forthcoming GTP debut at Daytona, positions Zilisch as one of the most exciting and versatile prospects in global motorsport.
The Rolex 24 at Daytona, a grueling test of man and machine, serves as the curtain-raiser for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The event attracts a global field of drivers and manufacturers, all vying for supremacy on the famed 3.56-mile Daytona International Speedway road course. For 2026, the GTP class will feature a formidable array of manufacturers, including Cadillac, Porsche, BMW, Acura, and Ferrari, each fielding their latest-generation prototypes.
Action Express Racing, Zilisch’s team for the 2026 Rolex 24, boasts a rich history of success in IMSA competition. The team has secured multiple championships and victories in various classes, including the Daytona Prototype International (DPi) era, the predecessor to GTP. Their experience in endurance racing, particularly at Daytona, provides Zilisch with a seasoned and capable platform from which to launch his GTP campaign.
His co-drivers in the No. 31 Cadillac V-Series.R are also highly accomplished figures in motorsport. Jack Aitken, a seasoned driver with Formula 1 experience, has been a consistent presence in endurance racing and has previously driven for Action Express Racing. Earl Bamber, a two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner and former IMSA champion, brings an unparalleled wealth of knowledge and speed to the driver lineup. Frederik Vesti, a rising star from Formula 2, further bolsters the team’s young talent and potential. The collective experience and skill of this quartet present a formidable challenge to the rest of the GTP field.
Zilisch’s journey exemplifies a modern trend in motorsport where drivers are increasingly seeking opportunities across different disciplines to hone their skills and broaden their experience. The demands of prototype racing, with its emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency, tire management, and intricate hybrid systems, complement the raw speed and racecraft required in NASCAR. This cross-pollination of talent and techniques often leads to well-rounded and adaptable drivers.
The 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona is scheduled to take place on January 24-25, 2026. The race will be broadcast live across NBC Sports’ platforms, offering extensive coverage of this premier endurance event. For Connor Zilisch, it represents a pivotal moment, a chance to showcase his capabilities on the global stage of sports car racing and to contend for one of motorsport’s most coveted victories. His rapid progression from LMP2 class winner to GTP contender in just two years underscores his extraordinary talent and the bright future that lies ahead for this young American driver. The prospect of him competing for the overall win in his first GTP outing at the historic Daytona International Speedway is sure to generate significant excitement among racing enthusiasts worldwide.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
Nascar CupJanuary 25, 2026Rising Star Connor Zilisch Set for Inaugural GTP Campaign at 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona with Action Express Racing
Nascar CupJanuary 25, 2026NTSB Focuses on Pilot Verification in Tragic Greg Biffle Plane Crash Investigation
Nascar CupJanuary 25, 2026Beloved NASCAR Champion Greg Biffle, Wife, Children, and Two Others Perish in Devastating Statesville Plane Crash
Nascar CupJanuary 25, 2026Rising Star Connor Zilisch Eyes NASCAR Future with Openness to Formula 1 Aspiration
arthur roy sitompul
Anshari Taslim
Ali Akbar Rosady
Jonas Leo