Trackhouse Racing driver Connor Zilisch has discovered that the magnetic pull of a Trackhouse Racing Daytona legacy means more to him than any prize purse. As he prepares for another shot at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Zilisch’s motivation springs not from financial reward, but from the prestige and history that victory at Daytona International Speedway bestows.
The Allure of the Rolex Daytona Trophy
Money often sets the stage in motorsports, with headlines focused on large contracts and even larger winnings. Yet, since Rolex began sponsoring the event in 1992, the Rolex 24 at Daytona has elevated a different kind of reward: the iconic Rolex Daytona watch. For winners, this trophy is a sign of true endurance, joining a distinguished club of drivers forever remembered in the sport. Connor Zilisch explained that for him, the significance is rooted in joining that elite group, not in the value of the watch.
“I think having a Rolex in my possession keeps the fire going. I don’t think if I had one I would want another one as bad, but having the first one and realizing how cool it is to be a part of such a small group of people who have won that race, it makes me wanna go back and do it again.”
– Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing driver
For Zilisch, the Rolex serves as ongoing motivation. Winning in 2024 with Era Motorsport in the competitive LMP2 class, paired with Ryan Dalziel, Christian Rasmussen, and Dwight Merriman, Zilisch braved continuous pressure and fatigue in a demanding 24-hour endurance race. That victory, his debut appearance, instantly put him among the youngest winners in the event’s history and into a coveted group of champions.
Interestingly, despite its substantial value of around $10,000, Zilisch rarely wears his prized Rolex Daytona, preferring to keep it safe rather than attract attention. Nevertheless, he has chosen to showcase it at meaningful personal events, such as his senior prom and the NASCAR awards banquet, moments that reflect deep personal and professional pride.
Stepping Up to New Challenges in Daytona
In 2026, Zilisch is returning to Daytona with Trackhouse Racing, this time for the Rolex 24’s 64th running from January 22nd to 25th. Now tasked with competing in the prestigious GTP class, Zilisch joins new teammates: Earl Bamber, Jack Aitken, and Frederik Vesti, driving the No. 31 Cadillac Whelen Cadillac V-Series R. While the competition intensifies, Zilisch’s focus remains on the legacy attached to Daytona, demonstrating how the track’s history and the tangible symbol of the Rolex drive his passion forward.
For him and many drivers before, the Daytona victory is more than just a result — it is a lifelong memory and continuing challenge. Each year brings a renewed determination and an audible “ticking” reminder of goals not yet fully realized.
A Mindset Built on Endurance and Learning
As Connor Zilisch enters his first full-time NASCAR Cup Series season in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, his perspective stands out among young competitors. At only 19, he prioritizes personal growth over pressure to deliver wins or silence critics. Zilisch approaches his debut season focused on the journey, not just the destination.
“It’s exciting for me and going into this year, I don’t really have any expectations from myself but I just wanna go out there and enjoy it, learn…if you were hard on yourself and you don’t cut yourself any slack and you get really, really mad and upset about the bad days, then you’re gonna get burn out really quick and learn to not love it,”
said Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing driver.
This outlook, set against the high-stakes, demanding world of the NASCAR Cup Series, suggests a depth well beyond his years. Zilisch is determined to avoid the pitfalls of burnout by maintaining a love for the process, celebrating small victories, and moving past setbacks.
Leaning on Experience: Randall Burnett’s Guidance
A critical source of confidence for Zilisch is his collaboration with crew chief Randall Burnett. Though Burnett’s recent Cup Series results were underwhelming, including a difficult partnership with Kyle Busch that ended midseason without a win in 2024 or 2025, Zilisch remains patient and optimistic. He sees value in Burnett’s experience developing talent — an experience showcased during Burnett’s championship-winning stint with Tyler Reddick in the Xfinity Series and their subsequent adaptation to the Cup Series.
“He’s a great guy. He worked with a lot of younger guys. He was with Tyler and Xfinity and worked with him in Cup as well, and then he’s also worked with guys like, obviously, Kyle Bush, one of the most pronounced guys in our sport, and so he’s got a lot of experience,”
explained Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing driver.
Burnett’s reputation for nurturing young drivers is an asset for Zilisch, who values patience, mentorship, and the long view over chasing instant results. Both believe in building toward consistent performance, reflecting Trackhouse Racing’s philosophy of growth and resilience on and off the track.
The Enduring Legacy of the Daytona Challenge
As the 2026 racing season ramps up, Connor Zilisch represents a new generation of drivers motivated by tradition as much as ambition. The legendary Rolex 24 at Daytona, and the symbolic power of earning a Rolex Daytona watch, stands as a milestone that continues to shape careers. For Zilisch, the Trackhouse Racing Daytona legacy is the ultimate catalyst — a prize pursued not for appearances, but for a sense of belonging with racing’s legends.
With seasoned support from teammates like Ryan Dalziel, Christian Rasmussen, Dwight Merriman, Earl Bamber, Jack Aitken, and Frederik Vesti, plus the guidance of Randall Burnett, Zilisch’s journey is one of steady development and undiminished passion. As more young racers enter the sport, Zilisch’s approach — prioritizing legacy and learning over wealth — offers a powerful template for lasting success both at Daytona and across the racing world.
