Connor Zilisch, the 19-year-old Trackhouse Racing driver, is set to compete in the main GTP class at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona in 2026, marking his first attempt at an overall victory in one of America’s most prestigious endurance racing events. Zilisch’s participation in Daytona in the GTP category adds to his already eventful season, which includes his upcoming debut in the Daytona 500 just weeks after the 24-hour race.
Zilisch Joins Action Express Racing for GTP Campaign
For the 2026 Rolex 24, Connor Zilisch will share the No. 31 Action Express Racing Cadillac V-Series.R as a co-driver alongside Jack Aitken, Frederik Vesti, and Earl Bamber. This move sees Zilisch stepping up to the top-level GTP class for the first time, after previously competing in other classes at the event.
Early Success in Endurance Racing
Zilisch has built an impressive résumé at Daytona despite his youth. In 2024, at just 17, he claimed victory in his Rolex 24 debut, driving an LMP2 entry for Era Motorsport. That same year, he and his team secured a class win at the Sebring 12 Hours. The following season in 2025, Zilisch transitioned to the GTD Pro category with a Trackhouse-prepared Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, finishing ninth in class.
After completing his first official test laps with Cadillac during a November test, Zilisch is poised to tackle the challenge of the GTP class, where competition among manufacturers and drivers is fierce.
NASCAR Standout and Daytona 500 Plans
Connor Zilisch is known not only for his endurance racing exploits but also for his NASCAR performances. Despite winning ten races in 2025, he narrowly missed out on the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship title. Looking ahead, he is scheduled to make his debut as a full-time driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, piloting the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse in 2026. Zilisch will follow up his Rolex 24 appearance by racing in the Daytona 500, amplifying his presence across major motorsport disciplines.
This year, he will join AJ Allmendinger as one of only two full-time NASCAR Cup drivers competing in the 64th running of the Daytona endurance classic, highlighting the significance of his dual motorsport commitments.
Significance for Zilisch and Endurance Racing
Participating in the main GTP class at Daytona indicates a major milestone for Connor Zilisch, as he shifts focus from class victories to contending for the overall win alongside experienced names like Jack Aitken, Frederik Vesti, and Earl Bamber. His diverse background across NASCAR and international endurance events exemplifies the evolving landscape of modern motorsport, where versatility is increasingly celebrated. Zilisch’s efforts at Daytona in 2026 will be closely followed by fans of both IMSA and NASCAR, as the young driver continues to make his mark in elite racing.
