Connor Zilisch, the rising NASCAR star, made a remarkable impact at the Rolex 24 Hours event held at Daytona International Speedway on January 24, 2026. Driving the #31 Cadillac V-Series.R for Whelen Action Express Racing, Zilisch’s team overcame two penalties that initially dropped them to the back of the field, ultimately securing a podium finish against fierce competition. His performance at Daytona further builds on his momentum as he prepares for his full-time debut in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.
The 19-year-old driver, known for his strong outings in the Xfinity Series, showed impressive pace early on by delivering the fastest time in the second practice session, which initially earned his #31 Cadillac the pole position. However, technical inspectors identified violations that resulted in two penalties, forcing the team to restart behind all competitors. Despite this setback, Zilisch and his teammates battled through traffic and challenges throughout the race.
In the final hour, the #31 Cadillac was locked in a competitive duel with the No. 7 Porsche from the Penske team. Ultimately, Zilisch and his crew secured a second-place finish, demonstrating resilience and skill under pressure. Reflecting on the experience, Zilisch shared,
“Long 24 hours with the 31 crew but we left with some hardware and had a shot at it. Thanks for following along everyone!”
Challenges Faced Under Extended Caution and Penalties
During the race’s extended six-and-a-half-hour caution period caused by dense fog in the early morning hours, Zilisch spent four hours behind the wheel. The slow-running caution laps, maintained at speeds around 65 mph, proved mentally taxing for the driver. He described this period as “absolutely boring” and “probably the most miserable hours” of the event. Additionally, a critical error occurred when Zilisch inadvertently passed through a red light at the end of pit road, leading to a 60-second penalty that further tested the team’s strategy and resolve.
Zilisch’s Record-Breaking Xfinity Series History
Before his Daytona outing, Connor Zilisch had already carved out a historic place in NASCAR history by breaking a longstanding record in the Xfinity Series. During his full-time rookie season driving the #88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Zilisch surpassed a 41-year-old record previously held by Sam Ard. Ard’s record, established decades ago, stood at 15 consecutive top-five finishes in a single season. Zilisch exceeded this milestone by earning top-five finishes in 16 straight races.
This record-breaking streak was highlighted when Zilisch finished second at Kansas Speedway, marking his 16th consecutive top-five result. NASCAR acknowledged this achievement on social media, stating,
“Connor Zilisch has now scored a top five in 16 CONSECUTIVE NASCAR Xfinity Series races, surpassing Sam Ard’s 41 year old record to be the longest in Series history.”
Looking Ahead to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Season
Building on his successes in both the Xfinity Series and endurance racing, Connor Zilisch is poised to begin his full-time campaign in the NASCAR Cup Series this year. He will pilot the #88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing, joining established drivers Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen on the roster. As Zilisch transitions into this elite level of competition, his recent performance at Daytona and record-setting rookie year provide strong indicators of his potential impact.
Competing at the Daytona International Speedway in the Rolex 24 further tested Zilisch’s endurance and adaptability, underscoring his readiness for the challenges ahead. His ability to recover from penalties and maintain composure during long caution periods demonstrates a maturity beyond his years. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Zilisch carries the momentum forward into the NASCAR All-Star race and the full Cup Series schedule.
Long 24 hours with the 31 crew but we left with some hardware and had a shot at it. Thanks for following along everyone!❤️ pic.twitter.com/oac9nPYybw
— Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) January 25, 2026
