The 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona, taking place January 24–25, brings together a dynamic mix of drivers, including notable NASCAR drivers at 2026 Rolex 24 and established talents from various racing backgrounds. This high-profile endurance event opens the IMSA SportsCar Championship season at Daytona International Speedway and promises intense competition spanning multiple race classes.
NASCAR Cup Series Faces Join the Endurance Classic
This year’s entry list for the Rolex 24 shines a spotlight on several NASCAR figures eyeing success at Daytona. Among the most anticipated is Connor Zilisch, a 19-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, who is advancing to the premier GTP class with Action Express Racing’s #31 Cadillac V-Series.R. Zilisch, who claimed the LMP2 class victory in his 2024 debut and gained experience in the GTD Pro class in 2025, now teams up with Earl Bamber, Jack Aitken, and Frederik Vesti. His seamless rise through endurance racing highlights him as a generational talent to watch as he pursues new heights in both the IMSA and NASCAR Cup Series, making his full-time Cup debut with Trackhouse Racing next season.
AJ Allmendinger, a seasoned NASCAR Cup Series competitor and the 2012 overall Rolex 24 winner, is also making his return to Daytona’s sports car arena. Allmendinger, recognized for his versatility and competitive edge, will drive for Meyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian in the #60 Acura ARX-06 (GTP), sharing driving duties with Tom Blomqvist, Colin Braun, and IndyCar icon Scott Dixon. Currently piloting the #16 car for Kaulig Racing in the Cup Series, Allmendinger brings a deep reservoir of experience to his team’s effort for a class victory.
IndyCar Talent and Sports Car Veterans Expand the Field
While NASCAR stars grab headlines, the 2026 Rolex 24 will also spotlight several accomplished IndyCar drivers. Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, Nolan Siegel, Christian Rasmussen, Will Power, Kyle Kirkwood, Marcus Ericsson, Callum Ilott, and Kyffin Simpson join the fray, adding further depth and skill to the event’s field. These drivers, with impressive open-wheel pedigrees, are no strangers to high-stakes racing and offer stiff competition across all classes.
Alongside these luminaries, a blend of series veterans and upcoming phenoms will bolster the ever-competitive atmosphere on Daytona’s iconic circuit. This convergence of racing backgrounds—ranging from IMSA specialists to Cup Series regulars and international sports car racers—underscores the event’s prestige and the diverse appeal of 24-hour endurance competition.
Breakdown of 2026 Rolex 24 Classes and Entry List
Organizers have announced a packed grid of 61 cars set to compete across four main categories for the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona. These include:
1. GTP (Grand Touring Prototype)—the top class, featuring factory-backed prototypes and elite drivers like Zilisch, Bamber, Blomqvist, and Dixon.
2. LMP2—home to seasoned pros and developing talents.
3. GTD PRO—showcasing professional GT-class teams and lineups.
4. GTD—offering a mix of professional and ambitious amateur driver squads.
This structure ensures a competitive field and exciting action at every stage in the race, with each class battling for class honors, strategy supremacy, and endurance glory throughout the 24-hour spectacle.
What Sets the 2026 Edition Apart
With new talents like Connor Zilisch taking on greater challenges and seasoned drivers such as AJ Allmendinger seeking another shot at Daytona victory, the 2026 Rolex 24 exemplifies the evolving landscape of endurance racing. The blend of NASCAR, IndyCar, and international drivers creates a unique narrative, with the Daytona event serving as a proving ground for racing’s best. Fans and competitors alike can look forward to a thrilling mix of speed, teamwork, and resilience as the world watches NASCAR drivers at 2026 Rolex 24 aim for their place in history.
