Connor Zilisch Set to Race for Jim France in the Rolex 24 at Daytona

NASCAR CEO Jim France’s team is set to fulfil Connor Zilisch’s dream of racing in the highest class of IMSA in the 2026 season.

Connor Zilisch Set to Race for Jim France in the Rolex 24 at Daytona

Connor Zilisch and Jim France (Via IMAGO)

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The 2025 NASCAR season ended with massive disappointment for Connor Zilisch, as he failed to win the championship after finishing behind RCR’s Jesse Love in the second division series. It was poor end to a remarkable season that saw him win 10 races. The next season will see him embark on a new journey in 2026, as a full-time Cup driver with Trackhouse Racing and he needs motivation.

NASCAR CEO Jim France has given him the perfect opportunity to hit rest before the start of his rookie Cup season. He is set to race in the 2026 Rolex 24 At Daytona, the first race of the IMSA season, that owned by NASCAR. Connor Zilisch will race No. 31 Action Express Racing Cadillac V-Series R and fight for the overall championship.

The team is owned by France and is the in supreme form as the won last two races of the 2025 season. The youngster is really excited about the new opportunity and asserted that he is thrilled about the chance to win the title with best team in the IMSA paddock. He has won the LMP2 class race in 2024 and now got the chance to win the premier event, LMDh race.

I’m excited to be with Action Express Racing for the Rolex 24 At Daytona. 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.

Connor Zilisch said via Forbs.

He got qualified to race in the premier event, after completing two tests in the LMDh car with the latest one being just one week after his disappointing championship lost at Daytona. The youngster admitted that he can’t wait to get back in the race and join his co-drivers, Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber alongside Frederik Vesti.

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 added.

Connor Zilisch recalls his early memories of racing at Daytona International Speedway

In the same conversation, the Trackhouse Racing driver recalled his experience racing at Daytona. His first outing at the iconic venue was the Mazda MX-5 Cup event and since then he was keeping tabs on potentially finding an opportunity to fight for the Rolex 24 win.

Connor Zilisch (via The Tennessean)
Connor Zilisch (via The Tennessean)

The first time I came to Daytona racing was in (Mazda) MX-5 Cup, and I’ve loved it ever since 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.

Connor Zilisch said.

Further talking about the point, he revealed how he is set for his third endurance race at the venue and how it’s special to do in a different car. Zilisch asserted that it has always been his dream to race in the highest class of IMSA as he grew up racing in road courses and similar types of cars.

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 added.

The comments from the Trackhouse Racing driver seems interesting and shows his passion for racing outside NASCAR. It would be interesting to see how everything is going playout for the star driver in the premier event, before the Cup season starts.

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