Connor Zilisch will make his highly anticipated GTP debut with Cadillac Racing at the 64th Rolex 24 At Daytona in January 2026, driving the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R. The young, up-and-coming driver, recognized for his prior successes at Daytona and his future NASCAR Cup Series seat with Trackhouse Racing, aims to capitalize on this major opportunity in endurance racing, with his Cadillac Racing debut marking a significant step in his career.
A Remarkable Opportunity for Zilisch at Daytona
Zilisch, aged 19, returns to the Rolex 24 At Daytona for the third consecutive year, expressing gratitude for the chance to partner with Cadillac Racing. He is set to join a talented lineup with Earl Bamber, Jack Aitken, and Frederik Vesti for the opening round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The opportunity follows Zilisch’s November test in the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R, during which he familiarized himself with the car and his new team.
“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 said in a statement.
Zilisch first competed in the famed endurance event in 2024, claiming a win in the LMP2 class at just 17 years old. In 2025, he returned to Daytona with Trackhouse Racing, piloting a Corvette Z06 GT3.R in GTD Pro and achieving a ninth-place class finish. These experiences underscore his growth and adaptability across multiple car types and team environments.
Rolex 24 At Daytona Weekend Schedule and Field
The 2026 Rolex 24 At Daytona festivities begin with the Roar Before The Rolex 24, taking place from January 16 to January 18. The pre-race sessions will provide crucial practice and qualifying opportunities for teams and drivers looking to fine-tune their performance ahead of the iconic race. The main event is scheduled for January 21 to 25 at Daytona International Speedway, promising intense competition among top contenders from across the motorsport world.
This year’s field will also feature notable names such as AJ Allmendinger, who is set to compete in an Acura ARX-06 prototype with Acura Meyer Shank Racing, accompanied by full-season drivers Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun, as well as IndyCar champion Scott Dixon. The combination of experienced stars and emerging talents like Zilisch will likely contribute to an electrifying endurance race weekend.
Adapting to the Cadillac V-Series.R Prototype
Reflecting on his preparation for the upcoming event, Zilisch noted the differences in driving the Cadillac GTP car compared to previous experiences in LMP2 and GT3 machinery. He emphasized the importance of learning new controls and adapting to the car’s unique characteristics to maximize performance at Daytona.
“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,”
Connor Zilisch said.
His approach highlights a commitment to growth and adaptability, relevant as he prepares to face a competitive field in a demanding endurance environment.
Rising Profile Across Multiple Racing Disciplines
In addition to his growing IMSA resume, Zilisch has made a significant impression in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts (Xfinity) Series, completing one of the strongest rookie campaigns in its history. With 10 victories, 20 top-five results, 23 top-tens, eight pole positions, and over 1,000 laps led, he was named the 2025 Xfinity Rookie of the Year. These accomplishments paved the way for his entry into the NASCAR Cup Series, where he will drive the No. 88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing starting in February.
Zilisch’s versatility and rapid progression across endurance and stock car racing make him a standout figure to watch as he embarks on his Cadillac Racing debut at Daytona, setting the stage for what could be another memorable chapter in his young career.
Anticipating What’s Ahead for Zilisch and Cadillac Racing
Zilisch’s fresh partnership with Cadillac Racing, alongside established teammates like Earl Bamber and Jack Aitken, signals an exciting new era for both the driver and the team. His proven ability to adapt and win at Daytona, combined with the skill and experience within the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R entry, raises expectations for a strong performance at the IMSA season opener. The motorsport community will be closely watching as Zilisch strives to make the most of his opportunity, further shaping his path in top-level racing.
