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NASCAR Drivers Who Are Joining Rolex 24 at Daytona and Making Their Mark in a New Arena

NASCAR Drivers Who Are Joining Rolex 24 at Daytona, showing their skills in endurance racing. Shane van Gisbergen, Connor Zilisch, Parker Kilgerman, and Austin Cindric are all set to race in this exciting 24-hour event. Each driver brings a unique twist to the race, and their involvement adds mystery and excitement. What will they achieve in this demanding race?

Key Highlights

  • Shane van Gisbergen, a NASCAR newcomer, debuts at Rolex 24 in the #91 Chevrolet Corvette with Trackhouse Racing.
  • Connor Zilisch, emerging NASCAR talent, joins Rolex 24, enhancing endurance skills with Trackhouse Racing’s developmental program.
  • Parker Kilgerman, former NASCAR driver, enters the Rolex 24 with Forte Racing, leveraging his racing expertise in a Lamborghini Huracan.
  • Austin Cindric, Daytona 500 winner, participates in the Rolex 24 with Team Penske, aiming to showcase his NASCAR skills in endurance racing.
  • Trackhouse Racing pairs experienced drivers with young talents like Zilisch, focusing on strategic handovers for competitive Rolex 24 performance.

Shane van Gisbergen’s Rolex 24 Debut

Making his much-anticipated Rolex 24 at Daytona debut, Shane van Gisbergen is set to showcase his versatile racing skills on the prestigious Daytona International Speedway. The Rolex 24 at Daytona, renowned for its demanding 24-hour endurance race, challenges drivers with its 3.56-mile track that combines an infield road course with a banked oval. Van Gisbergen’s participation marks a notable moment in his illustrious career, bringing his expertise from both the Supercars Championship and NASCAR to this esteemed event.

Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, van Gisbergen has built a formidable reputation as a three-time Supercars Champion, with victories spanning 2016, 2021, and 2022. His impressive tally of 80 race wins places him as the fourth most successful driver in the series.

His shift to NASCAR in 2023 was marked by a remarkable victory in the inaugural Chicago Street Race, signaling his adaptability and skill in diverse racing formats. This success led to his full-time engagement with Trackhouse Racing, piloting the #88 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.

In this year’s Rolex 24, van Gisbergen will drive the #91 Chevrolet Corvette for Trackhouse Racing, partnering with notable racers such as Scott McLaughlin and Ben Keating. His participation highlights his commitment to expanding his racing horizons and testing his skills against the world’s best in endurance racing.

As van Gisbergen initiates this new venture, his debut at the Rolex 24 is anticipated to be an enthralling display of racing talent and tactical expertise.

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Connor Zilisch’s Role in the Rolex 24

In the domain of endurance racing, emerging talent Connor Zilisch is poised to make a notable impact at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. At just 18 years old, this North Carolina native has already carved a niche for himself by joining Trackhouse Racing as a developmental driver. In his young career, he has competed across numerous series, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASAR Truck Series. Moreover, his forthcoming full-time role with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports in 2025 emphasizes his growing influence in motorsports.

Zilisch is set to play a vital role at the Rolex 24, partnering with seasoned drivers like SVG and McLaughlin. This partnership focuses on mastering the intricate handovers essential in a 24-hour race. Trackhouse Racing has showcased its commitment to success by investing considerable resources into Zilisch’s development and the team’s Daytona campaign.

Trackhouse Racing’s tactical emphasis on Zilisch highlights their confidence in his capabilities. The team expects him to adapt seamlessly to the challenges posed by the grueling Daytona race. His involvement in such a prestigious event at an early stage of his career is not only an indication of his skills but also a reflection of the potential he holds.

Parker Kilgerman’s Rolex 24 Journey

Despite having retired from full-time racing in 2024, Parker Kilgerman‘s passion for motorsport endures as he begins his Rolex 24 adventure. Known for his remarkable achievements in NASCAR, Kilgerman’s expedition in motorsports has been marked by substantial milestones. His career took a crucial turn in 2012 when he claimed his initial NASCAR Truck Series victory at Talladega Speedway. This win was part of a successful season where he secured 15 top-10 finishes and ultimately placed fifth in the final standings.

Transitioning from the racetrack to the broadcasting booth, Kilgerman has been sharing his expertise as a commentator and analyst for NASCAR on NBC since 2015. This role has kept him closely connected to the sport, allowing him to offer insights drawn from his rich racing experience.

However, Kilgerman’s racing aspirations have not waned, as evidenced by his upcoming participation in the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona. For the 2025 edition of the Rolex 24, Kilgerman will pilot the #78 Lamborghini Huracan for Forte Racing, alongside teammates Misha Goikhberg, Mario Farnbacher, and Franck Perera.

This endurance race presents a new challenge for Kilgerman, who has long dreamed of competing in such an event. The Connecticut native is enthusiastic to make a substantial impact and aims to utilize his extensive racing background to contribute to a potential victory for his team.

Kilgerman’s involvement in the Rolex 24 exemplifies his enduring commitment to motorsport, as he ventures into this storied endurance race with aspirations of success.

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Austin Cindric’s Commitment to the Rolex 24

Austin Cindric, the accomplished NASCAR driver, brings his fierce competitive spirit to the Rolex 24 Daytona, demonstrating his steadfast commitment to the prestigious endurance race. Known for his skill on the NASCAR circuit, Cindric’s shift to endurance racing is marked by a dedication that mirrors his achievements in the stock car world.

As the 2022 Daytona 500 winner and a former Xfinity Series champion, Cindric’s racing credentials are formidable, highlighting his ability to adapt and excel in diverse racing formats. Competing for Team Penske in the NASCAR Cup Series, Cindric’s expedition has been one of consistent growth and success.

His accolades include the 2020 Xfinity Series championship and the 2022 Rookie of the Year title, where he impressively placed 12th in the championship standings. Most recently, in 2024, he made remarkable strides by reaching the playoffs, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in motorsports.

In a recent interview with Racerweek.com, Cindric emphasized his dedication to the Rolex 24, stating, “It’s not an exhibition for me — I’m committed.”

“It’s not an exhibition for me — I’m committed. I’m committed to doing whatever it takes. If that means letting [teammates] Rocky [Mike Rockenfeller] and Seb [Priaulx] do their thing, because it’s their car, I’m committed to that.” – Austin Cindric

His willingness to adapt his role alongside teammates Mike Rockenfeller and Seb Priaulx in the #64 Ford Mustang for Ford Multimatic Motorsports highlights his team-centric approach. By embracing the dynamics of endurance racing, Cindric illustrates his versatility and readiness to contribute effectively to his team’s success.

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News in Brief: NASCAR Drivers Who Are Joining Rolex 24 at Daytona

The participation of NASCAR drivers Shane van Gisbergen, Connor Zilisch, Parker Kilgerman, and Austin Cindric in the Rolex 24 at Daytona highlights a notable crossover from stock car racing to endurance racing. Each driver brings unique skills and perspectives to this prestigious event, showing adaptability and broadening motorsport horizons.

Their involvement emphasizes an increasing trend of cross-discipline engagement in motorsports, contributing to the dynamic nature of racing and offering fresh opportunities for both drivers and fans similarly.

ALSO READ: Is the ‘Biased’ Supporter Right About Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Future? His Insightful Comments

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