Connor Zilisch set for huge Daytona return after NASCAR promotion

NASCAR star Connor Zilisch will race in the Rolex 24 at Daytona next month, shortly before his first full-time season in the Cup Series begins.

The teenage star will race in the premier GTP class in the January endurance race for the first time, having previously entered in the LMP2 and GTD Pro classes.

The 24-hour race will take place the weekend before NASCAR's season-opening exhibition Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, and will see Zilisch sharing the No. 31 Cadillac Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R with Earl Bamber, Jack Aitken and Frederik Vesti.

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Zilisch ready for Daytona return

Speaking after the announcement, Zilisch said: “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.

"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.”

He added: “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. 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.”

Who are Connor Zilisch's team at Daytona?

New Zealander Bamber is a veteran of endurance racing and two-time winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans, with Aitken also bringing years of endurance experience to the table.

23-year-old Vesti, however, only has half a season's experience in the GTP class, having moved over from open-wheel racing after failing thus far to break into F1.