Connor Zilisch, fresh off a difficult end to his NASCAR Xfinity campaign, made an impressive showing during his Daytona test in the IMSA series, fueling excitement for his upcoming role in top-level racing. The rising star, still just 19 years old, bounced back by turning heads during IMSA’s on-track test ahead of January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, further solidifying the buzz around his Connor Zilisch Daytona debut.
Zilisch Overcomes Recent Setbacks to Impress at Daytona
Last week proved tough for Connor Zilisch, as he narrowly missed out on the Xfinity Series title and lost his opportunity at a Cadillac JOTA test during the final WEC rookie session in Bahrain. Had he scored just ten more points, his FIA super license hopes would have received a significant boost, and capturing the championship would have advanced him even closer to a full-time seat among elite drivers. However, the playoff structure in the series dashed those aspirations at the final hurdle.
Undeterred, Zilisch returned to competition almost immediately. The North Carolina native joined the IMSA field this past Saturday for a critical preseason test session at Daytona International Speedway, laying early groundwork for the renowned 24 Hours of Daytona. Completing 33 laps in Action Express Racing’s No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series R, the young driver put forth a trouble-free and consistent performance, affirming his readiness for a potential fourth driver slot in the team’s Rolex 24 lineup.
“It was awesome. It’s very different, but at the same time similar to things I’ve driven in the past. It’s kind of a mixture between the P2 car and the GT3 I drove this year. It’s a little heavier than the P2, more power, but really cool. There’s a lot of new controls and things I have to learn. It was a lot of fun getting to feel it out and run a lot of laps.”
— Connor Zilisch, Driver
Zilisch has already built a strong reputation in the world of endurance racing. At just 17, he captured the LMP2 class win at Daytona, and he returned this season to compete in the GTD Pro category, driving the TF Sport Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R alongside seasoned professionals such as Shane Van Gisbergen, Scott McLaughlin, and Ben Keating. Now, he stands poised to pursue a third consecutive Rolex 24 start—with ambitions to debut in the GTP class if Action Express Racing offers him the chance.
“The first time I came to Daytona racing on this weekend was in MX-5 Cup in 2022. I’ve loved it ever since. Being able to race in the 24 Hours is something I’ve dreamed of as a kid. That’s why I always come back and keep doing it. It’s my third time doing it in my third different car that I’ve done it in…I’m just excited for the opportunity to even be here today and get this chance to test the car. It’s been such a dream of mine to get to drive in the highest class of IMSA.”
— Connor Zilisch, Driver
In his latest test, Zilisch demonstrated maturity and adaptability behind the wheel. According to Action Express Racing’s director of operations, Chris Mitchum, the young driver made the most out of his session, handling the challenge of running on older tires and adapting to mixed traffic situations with composure and steady pace.
“He did great. He got in the car on some older tires. We’re trying to space out when we use the tires and getting him a long run in some mixed traffic was great. He didn’t take any big bites at the apple but had constant improvement. I’d say the pace he ran was equal to the life of the tires. It was pretty comfortable. There were no earth-shattering moments or issues at all. It was a good comfortable run to get a good number of laps,”
— Chris Mitchum, Director of Operations, Action Express Racing
Journey of Growth: From Xfinity Standout to IMSA Rising Star
Though the missed WEC rookie test could have been a setback for Zilisch, his resilience at Daytona offered a new narrative. This upcoming period is set to be transformative for him, as he prepares to elevate from Xfinity to the NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing. His success as a rookie in Xfinity, coupled with his rapid progression up the ranks, exemplifies what it means to stand out as a phenom among seasoned rookies, prospects, and established stars alike.
Zilisch’s adaptability in different racing disciplines—spanning from MX-5 Cup, to LMP2 and GT3 at Daytona, and now his potential GTP debut in IMSA—showcases his prowess. His career thus far reflects a passion and dedication that has impressed both fans and key figures within the motorsports community.
“I think he’s better than I was at that age, and he seems to be more mature than I was at that age. It’s easy as an 18- or 19-year-old to drink the Kool-Aid… Cup racing is different. Everybody is great at this level. Everybody is fantastic. You can’t drink your own Kool-Aid too much where you think you’re the next thing because you’re going to get here and fall on your face.”
— Joey Logano, Three-Time Cup Series Champion
The honesty from Joey Logano, a veteran and champion in the sport, underscores the unique pressures Zilisch will face as he leaps into the Cup Series. Zilisch’s rapid rise, notable rookie status, and strong showings in endurance events like the Rolex 24 thrust him into the spotlight, but legends such as Logano know how quickly the sport can humble even its most celebrated young talents.
NASCAR’s Past and Zilisch’s Path Forward
The competitive nature of the Cup Series is unforgiving, testing each rookie’s mettle regardless of their credentials at lower levels. History shows that even standout names, like Ty Gibbs with Joe Gibbs Racing, often face harsh realities in their debut seasons, exemplifying how even record-breaking prospects sometimes need time to adjust.
Zilisch’s path toward the 2026 Daytona 500 will involve contending not only with drivers such as Ty Gibbs, but also with established veterans and former champions. The transition from dominance in Xfinity and endurance events to the Cup Series, where the level of competition is unmatched, presents its own learning curve. Prospects and fans alike are eager to see how the North Carolina native, already a fan favorite, manages the pressure and expectations on NASCAR’s grandest stage.
The Road Ahead: Zilisch’s Ambitions and the Broader Impact
Connor Zilisch’s determined rebound at Daytona following his playoff disappointment in Xfinity demonstrates his resilience and ambition. His journey, from capturing class wins at Daytona as a teenager, to seeking a top-tier IMSA seat and now preparing for a NASCAR Cup Series debut with Trackhouse Racing, represents a blend of youthful promise and veteran-like maturity.
The motorsports community, including fellow drivers, fans, and organizations such as Action Express Racing and NASCAR, will be watching Zilisch closely as he takes the next major steps in his racing career. His Connor Zilisch Daytona debut proved not just an opportunity for personal redemption, but also an indication that the sport’s next generation is ready to challenge the status quo and strive for greatness amid fierce competition. As he looks ahead to the 2026 Daytona 500 and a possible high-profile IMSA run, Zilisch’s experience, attitude, and work ethic will serve as the foundation for all that lies ahead.
🗨️ CONNOR'S GTP DEBUT: @ConnorZilisch said his first laps in a Cadillac V-Series.R was “a lot of fun” ahead of his potential @IMSA GTP debut in January’s @Rolex24Hours.
➡️ https://t.co/IiiBsei122 #IMSA #Rolex24 pic.twitter.com/rXg8ECijrl
— Sportscar365 (@sportscar365) November 15, 2025
