In an electrifying announcement that has motorsport fans buzzing, Connor Zilisch, the 19-year-old rising star, is gearing up for a monumental debut in the GTP category with Cadillac Racing at the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona. This marks Zilisch’s third consecutive appearance at this iconic endurance race, a journey he describes as a ‘cool opportunity.’ The young talent expressed heartfelt gratitude to Cadillac Racing, highlighting the significance of this moment in his burgeoning career.
Zilisch is set to take the wheel of the formidable No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R—an impressive machine he had the chance to test just last month. He will be teaming up with seasoned co-drivers Earl Bamber, Jack Aitken, and Frederik Vesti in what promises to be a thrilling season opener for the IMSA series scheduled for mid-January.
“The Rolex 24 is one of my favorite races and I’m thrilled to be with one of the best teams in the IMSA paddock,” Zilisch exclaimed. His excitement is palpable as he acknowledges the support from GM and Cadillac Racing, making it clear just how much this opportunity means to him. His confidence is buoyed by a successful test session in November, where he relished the experience of collaborating with the Whelen team, eagerly looking forward to the race.
Zilisch’s history at Daytona is nothing short of impressive. He clinched victory in the LMP2 class during his debut at the Rolex 24 in 2024, becoming a standout at just 17 years old. His return in 2025 saw him race a Trackhouse-run Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the GTD Pro category, where he finished a commendable ninth in class. As the countdown to the Rolex 24 begins, the excitement builds not just for Zilisch but for the entire racing community.
The weekend of the Rolex 24 At Daytona kicks off with the Roar Before The Rolex 24 test sessions from January 16 to January 18, 2026. This three-day event is crucial for teams as they engage in timed practices and qualifying sessions, setting the stage for the main event from January 21 to 25.
Adding to the drama of the endurance race, NASCAR Cup driver AJ Allmendinger will also make his mark with Acura Meyer Shank Racing. He will share the No. 60 GTP-class Acura ARX-06 prototype alongside full-season drivers Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun, along with IndyCar champion Scott Dixon. This blend of talent promises to elevate the competition to unprecedented heights.
In discussing his upcoming challenge, Zilisch provided insight into the Cadillac V-Series.R prototype, comparing it to his previous experiences with the LMP2 and Corvette GT3 vehicles. “It’s kind of a mixture between the LMP2 car and the Corvette GT3 that I drove this year. A little heavier than the P2. More power, really cool. A lot of new controls and things that I have to learn, and it was a lot of fun getting to feel it out and just run a lot of laps,” he shared. His adaptability is key as he transitions to this new machinery, which demands a different skill set and understanding.
Zilisch’s meteoric rise in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts (Xfinity) Series this past season has solidified his reputation as a force to be reckoned with. With 10 wins, 20 top-5 finishes, and 23 top-10 finishes, he not only claimed the title of 2025 Xfinity Rookie of the Year but also dominated the charts with eight poles and more than 1,000 laps led. Now, he is set to launch into the NASCAR Cup Series in February, piloting Trackhouse Racing’s No. 88 Chevy.
As the racing world gears up for what promises to be an unforgettable Rolex 24, all eyes will be on Connor Zilisch. With his blend of youthful exuberance and undeniable talent, he is prepared to make waves in the GTP class, and fans can’t wait to see how this chapter unfolds.
