When you’re 19 years old and already have a Rolex Daytona watch sitting on your wrist from winning at one of racing’s most grueling events, you know you’re doing something right. That’s where Connor Zilisch finds himself as he prepares for his third consecutive start in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and this time, he’s playing in the big leagues.

Connor Zilisch Steps Up to Cadillac’s Top Prototype Program

The kid who dominated the NASCAR Xfinity Series this past season just got himself a serious upgrade in the sports car world. Connor Zilisch has been tapped to co-pilot a Cadillac Grand Touring Prototype for the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona, marking his first time wheeling one of these top-tier endurance machines.

This isn’t some participation trophy situation because Zilisch clearly earned this seat. He’ll be strapped into the No. 31 Whelen-sponsored Cadillac fielded by Action Express Racing, joining a stacked lineup that includes Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, and Frederik Vesti.

These guys are sports car veterans, and the fact that Zilisch is running alongside them speaks volumes about what he’s proven behind the wheel.”Hopefully, we’re going to make the most of it and see if this can lead to more opportunities for me in the Cadillac,” Zilisch said.

“It would be super cool for me to be able to race at the highest levels of endurance racing. That’s always been a dream of mine.” You can hear the excitement in those words. This isn’t just another race for Connor Zilisch, but more so a chance to prove he belongs at the pinnacle of endurance racing while simultaneously preparing for his Cup Series debut.

A Young Gun With Serious Rolex 24 Credentials

Let’s rewind a bit. Two years ago, at just 17, Connor Zilisch showed up at Daytona and walked away with hardware. He was part of the Era Motorsports LMP2 team that won its class, and then they went to Sebring and did it again. That’s not beginner’s luck but rather raw talent meeting preparation.

Last year’s Rolex 24 didn’t go quite as smoothly. His LMP2 entry finished ninth in class, but racing is all about learning from those tougher days. Now, moving up to a GTP machine with Cadillac, Zilisch has the chance to prove that his 2024 performance was just a stepping stone, not a ceiling.

From Xfinity Dominance to Cup Series Dreams

Between his Rolex 24 appearances, Connor Zilisch has been absolutely tearing it up in NASCAR. His first full season in the Xfinity Series, driving for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports, was nothing short of spectacular. Ten wins. Twenty-three top-10 finishes in 32 starts. Those numbers don’t lie.

Sure, he finished third in the championship race at Phoenix instead of taking home the title, but that doesn’t diminish what he accomplished. Zilisch showed consistency, speed, and the kind of racecraft that has everyone from team owners to fans buzzing about his future.

Next season, he makes the jump to NASCAR’s top tier with Trackhouse Racing in the No. 99 Chevrolet. That’s where the real pressure begins, but if anyone’s ready for it, it’s this kid who’s already proven he can win on NASCAR ovals and endurance road courses alike.

What’s Next for Connor Zilisch at Daytona?

The 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona is scheduled for January 24-25, and it’s going to be 24 hours of pure racing intensity on Daytona’s 3.56-mile road course. Before the green flag drops, teams will get their chance to shake down their machines during a test session on November 14-16.

You can bet Connor Zilisch will be using every minute of that track time to get comfortable with the Cadillac GTP and build chemistry with his co-drivers. Two other Cadillac GTPs will be fielded by Wayne Taylor Racing, so there’s going to be some serious manufacturer firepower on track.

The competition across all four classes: GTP, LMP2, GTD, and GTD Pro is going to be fierce, but that’s precisely the kind of environment where Connor Zilisch thrives. This is a run fans won’t want to miss.

Why Connor Zilisch’s Multi-Series Success Matters

What makes Connor Zilisch so special isn’t just that he’s fast. There are plenty that are fast. It’s that he’s versatile. He can adapt to different cars, different tracks, and different racing styles. That’s rare. Most young drivers stick to one series and master it.

Zilisch is out here conquering NASCAR and sports cars simultaneously, and he’s doing it with the kind of maturity that usually takes years to develop.His ability to balance a full-time NASCAR schedule with high-profile sports car races shows incredible mental toughness. These aren’t just exhibitions for him. Every race matters, every lap counts, and he treats them all with the respect they deserve.

Final Thoughts

As he prepares for this next chapter with Cadillac at Daytona and his upcoming Cup Series debut with Trackhouse Racing, Connor Zilisch is building something special. This isn’t just about one race or one season.

It’s about establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in all of motorsports. The Rolex 24 test is coming up fast, and you better believe Connor Zilisch will be ready to show everyone why he deserves to be there.

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