Connor Zilisch, the 19-year-old American racing driver, is preparing for his third appearance at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, where he first won the prestigious Rolex Daytona watch in 2024. Despite this achievement, Zilisch says he seldom wears his Rolex, revealing personal reasons behind his decision and highlighting the sentimental value he attaches to the trophy.
The Significance of the Rolex Daytona Watch for Zilisch
Securing victory at the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona while competing in the LMP2 class for Era Motorsport marked a breakthrough for Zilisch. Alongside teammates Christian Rasmussen, Ryan Dalziel, and Dwight Merriman, Zilisch became one of the youngest winners in the race’s history, claiming the coveted Rolex Daytona as his prize. This prestigious timepiece represents more than just a trophy; for Zilisch, it is a rare symbol of his early career success, distinguished further by the company of notable winners from various teams and backgrounds such as Shane van Gisbergen, Ben Keating, and Scott McLaughlin.
Despite possessing this sought-after reward, Zilisch prefers not to display the watch often. When questioned about his habits, he shared his approach openly:
“I’d say I wear it eight, ten times a year. It’s got to be a special occasion though. I think the NASCAR banquet I wore it, certain things like that. I wore it to my senior high school prom, a year and a half ago or so,”
he said. (7:32 onwards)—Connor Zilisch, Racing Driver
Beyond its prestige, Zilisch views the Rolex Daytona as a memento with personal significance. He elaborated further on the reasons for not making it part of his everyday attire:
“It’s still a functioning watch and although when you walk on the street people don’t know that it is a trophy. That’s kind of why I don’t wear it all the time. I feel like people seeing a 19 year old kid wearing a Rolex are gonna think man that kids just a spolt brat. But in reality to me, it’s just the trophy. I don’t wear it too often. I don’t want to lose it or scratch it.”
—Connor Zilisch, Racing Driver
Building on Success Across Endurance and Stock Car Circuits
Following his historic class win in 2024, Zilisch continued to build his racing resume with a victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring in the LMP2 category. His versatility has extended into competing in the GT3 category at Daytona during the 2025 season with Trackhouse TF Sport, teaming up with veteran drivers such as Shane van Gisbergen and Ben Keating on the Trackhouse TF Sport Corvette Z06.R. Although this campaign did not add another win, it demonstrated Zilisch’s commitment to balancing the demanding schedules of prototype endurance racing and his emerging NASCAR career.
As he approaches the 64th edition of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, set for January 22-25, 2026, Zilisch prepares with renewed urgency, aiming to add to his achievements among racing’s elite.
Early Start to Zilisch’s 2026 Racing Campaign and Cup Series Debut
Zilisch’s road to the 2026 season reflects unusual intensity, with preparations for the Rolex 24 at Daytona preceding the traditional NASCAR Speedweeks. The transition between disciplines hasn’t been without setbacks. Despite a strong 2025 campaign, where he narrowly missed an Xfinity Series title and the points needed for a Super License, Zilisch was unable to participate in the FIA Bahrain Rookie Test. This, however, has set the stage for his full-time debut in NASCAR’s premier Cup Series.
In preparation, Zilisch tested Cadillac’s advanced GTP prototype and was selected to join Action Express Racing for the Rolex 24 at Daytona, sharing the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R with Earl Bamber, Jack Aitken, and Frederik Vesti. His reflections on the challenge of driving GTP prototypes suggest high expectations and the promise of learning from a top-tier group of drivers:
“One of, if not the most challenging things I have driven in my career. With the hybrid system and all the tools that you have, it’s very unique. It’s a different beast… In the moment, I hate it because I hate when I struggle at things… looking back at it and looking forward, it brings me a lot of excitement getting to do something… I’m going to learn a lot, and I’m going to have a lot of that in 2026 with going full-time Cup racing.”
(6:17 onwards)—Connor Zilisch, Racing Driver
Learning from Experienced Teammates and Preparing for the Next Step
Throughout his rapid ascent in North American sports car and stock car racing, Zilisch has emphasized the value of working with seasoned professionals such as Earl Bamber, Frederik Vesti, and Jack Aitken. Their backgrounds, including stints as reserve drivers in Formula 1 teams, offer a rich environment for growth. Zilisch acknowledged the role his teammates play in his development:
“Earl’s been awesome, and my other two teammates as well — Fred and Jack. It’s a great group of drivers… Guys who’ve driven F1 cars and been reserve drivers for F1 teams. Getting to learn from people like that is what makes you better.”
—Connor Zilisch, Racing Driver
Recent IMSA testing in November 2024 saw Zilisch participate in four sessions at the helm of the Cadillac Whelen, building valuable experience ahead of the upcoming endurance event. This hands-on preparation integrates directly with his ambitions for NASCAR, where he is set to debut as a rookie in the 2026 Cup Series, capping a year where he must balance both prototype racing and the expectations of NASCAR’s highest division.
The Road Ahead for a Rising Motorsport Talent
As Connor Zilisch returns to Daytona for another attempt at Rolex 24 glory, his decision to reserve his Rolex Daytona for milestone moments reflects both humility and a deep respect for the legacy of the event. The symbolism of the watch—earned in competition alongside teammates and against accomplished winners like Ryan Dalziel and Dwight Merriman—continues to fuel his motivation. Zilisch’s journey, marked by significant victories and the pursuit of new challenges, exemplifies the drive that defines modern motorsport’s new generation.
