Connor Zilisch made a significant comeback during the recent Daytona GTP test, just days after his frustrating finish in the Xfinity Series finale at Phoenix. The 19-year-old put the focus keyword “Connor Zilisch Daytona GTP test” in the spotlight by completing 33 laps in the No. 31 Action Express Racing Cadillac on Saturday morning at Daytona International Speedway, showcasing determination despite recent setbacks.
The test marked Zilisch’s first time back in a race car since his hopes for the Xfinity Series championship slipped away in Phoenix, and it is a crucial step as he prepares for his upcoming full-time NASCAR Cup Series season and a highly anticipated appearance at the Rolex 24 in January.
Adapting and Eyeing Future Opportunities in IMSA and Beyond
Zilisch continues to broaden his reputation for versatility across racing disciplines. He is under consideration for a fourth driver spot at the start of the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and his performance at Daytona further positions him as a talent able to cross over between different motorsport platforms. This adaptability was on display during his most recent session at Daytona, adding to his growing resume.
Originally, the plan called for Zilisch to debut in the Dallara-chassied LMDh car during the FIA World Endurance Championship’s rookie test in Bahrain. However, missing out on the Xfinity title also cost him the FIA A license points needed for that seat. Within a single week, the young driver endured not only a lost championship but also a missed opportunity at a significant international test drive—challenges that would be daunting for anyone, let alone a teenage driver at the start of his professional career.
A Resilient Mindset and Support from the Racing Community
Undeterred, Zilisch shifted his attention to Daytona, a venue that has special meaning in his burgeoning career. Earlier this year, he competed in the Rolex 24 and the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring with Era Motorsport in the LMP2 class, notching significant endurance experience. He also raced with Trackhouse by TF Sport in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R during Daytona’s endurance event in the GTD Pro category, reinforcing his familiarity with the Florida venue and his ongoing commitment to major racing stages.
The racing community has rallied behind Zilisch after his Phoenix disappointment, offering encouragement that helped process the setback.
“It made me feel a little bit better about what happened in Phoenix. Obviously, it didn’t go the way we wanted it to, and I didn’t win the championship, which ended up not giving me enough FIA license points to go do the test in Bahrain … but it was nice to see a bunch of people backing me up and giving me some motivation.”
— Connor Zilisch, driver
His perspective about lost opportunities remains composed and forward-looking.
“It’ll all work out, and although it was a little upsetting that I didn’t get to go over there and drive with JOTA, it’s all part of it,”
he reflected. — Connor Zilisch, driver
Social media buzzed about his latest run, with excitement captured in messages such as:
“It’s Connor Zilisch in a Cadillac GTP! pic.twitter.com/I7bajYZYTd”
— Fifth Gear (@NotFifthGear)
Building Momentum Toward Full NASCAR and IMSA Campaigns
Zilisch’s efforts at the Daytona GTP test are part of a larger strategy to rebound from his Xfinity disappointment, prepare for a full-time NASCAR Cup Series campaign, and build strength for the endurance demands of the upcoming Rolex 24. His ability to bounce back quickly, coupled with his growing reputation among teams like Action Express Racing and organizations such as IMSA, positions him as a competitor to watch as he adapts to new challenges across the racing world.
For motorsports fans, his trajectory promises both inspiration and excitement for the upcoming season, as he looks to translate recent setbacks into future success within NASCAR, IMSA, and possibly international circuits like the FIA World Endurance Championship.
It's Connor Zilisch in a Cadillac GTP! pic.twitter.com/I7bajYZYTd
— Fifth Gear (@NotFifthGear) November 15, 2025
