Connor Zilisch, a promising young driver making waves in the NASCAR Cup Series, will participate in the renowned Rolex 24 at Daytona next month, signing on with Action Express Racing for the 2026 IMSA season opener at Daytona International Speedway. This marks Zilisch’s third straight appearance in the 24-hour classic and his debut in the premier GTP class, adding the sought-after Connor Zilisch Rolex 24 Action Express collaboration to his growing list of achievements.
Transitioning Into Top-Tier Endurance Racing With Cadillac
For the upcoming Rolex 24, Zilisch will join Earl Bamber, Jack Aitken, and Frederik Vesti as part of the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R entry run by Action Express Racing. Their campaign begins January 24th and 25th, 2026. This move signifies a major step for Zilisch, following his strong testing sessions with the Whelen team during November at Daytona and his continuous climb up the racing ranks.
“I’m excited to be with Action Express Racing for the Rolex 24 at Daytona,”
Zilisch said.
“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. I’m very thankful to everyone at GM and Cadillac Racing for their help in making this happen. This is such a cool opportunity. We had a solid test in November at Daytona. I really enjoyed working with all the guys on the Whelen team and can’t wait to get back there for the race.”
– Connor Zilisch, Driver
Background: From MX-5 Cup to NASCAR Success
In 2025, Zilisch is set to make his full-time NASCAR Cup Series debut with Trackhouse Racing, piloting the No. 88 Chevrolet, and vying for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors. The 19-year-old’s ascent to NASCAR’s elite followed a standout run in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports, where his 10 victories were the most on the tour and he finished as the season’s runner-up.
Zilisch first made headlines at just 17 by winning the 2024 Rolex 24 in the Le Mans Prototype 2 class for Era Motorsport. He returned last year to contend in the GTD PRO category, co-driving a Trackhouse by TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R alongside NASCAR teammate Shane van Gisbergen, IndyCar’s Scott McLaughlin, and seasoned sports-car racer Ben Keating.
“The first time I came to Daytona racing was in (Mazda) MX-5 Cup, and I’ve loved it ever since,”
Zilisch explained,
“and just being able to race in the 24 hours is something that I dreamed of as a kid, and that’s why I always come back and keep doing it. And, you know, it’s my third time doing it and 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, and doing that today has been really cool.”
– Connor Zilisch, Driver
Action Express Racing and the Road Ahead
The Action Express team, managed by experienced executive Gary Nelson, has built a reputation for strong performances in IMSA endurance events. After clinching the Motul Petit Le Mans win in the most recent 10-hour season finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, the group finished second in the previous IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTP standings. The organization has also captured seven championships in the Michelin North American Endurance Cup, cementing its elite status in motorsports.
Cadillac plans to expand its presence with three entries for the 2026 schedule—two cars from Wayne Taylor Racing and one from Action Express Racing. The upcoming Rolex 24 will feature a 61-car grid across three racing classes, with teams beginning preparations at Daytona starting January 16th through the Roar before the Rolex 24 event on the famed 3.56-mile course.
Significance of Zilisch’s Latest Challenge
Connor Zilisch’s involvement with Action Express Racing in the Rolex 24 underscores both his versatility and ambition as he bridges NASCAR success with premier endurance racing. Partnering with respected drivers like Earl Bamber, Jack Aitken, and Frederik Vesti, he aims to help Action Express maintain its championship pedigree and further strengthen Cadillac’s role in IMSA competition. As Zilisch steps into the GTP class, his continued development promises to invigorate the racing landscape for both fans and teams in the upcoming motorsport season.
