The 64th Rolex 24 at Daytona, the opening round of the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, witnessed an impressive performance by 19-year-old Connor Zilisch during his GTP debut. Zilisch was instrumental in securing a second-place finish in the GTP category for the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series R at Daytona International Speedway, overcoming a demanding 24-hour race featuring fluctuating conditions.
Sharing driving duties with Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, and Frederik Vesti, Zilisch made his first appearance in the top-tier Rolex 24 and adapted quickly to the challenges of GTP machinery.
Adapting Quickly to the Demands of GTP Racing
Although Zilisch had previous experience in LMP2 cars, competing in the GTP class required an immediate learning curve. He worked hard during practice sessions and his initial stints behind the wheel to acclimate to the faster, more complex GTP vehicles.
It was awesome just showing up and learning. When I first showed up, I had a lot to make up for and figure out. I felt like, come race time, I was pretty comfortable and could hold my own on the track.
?Connor Zilisch, Driver
He expressed gratitude toward his veteran teammates who provided valuable support throughout his first GTP race experience.
I’m super grateful for all three of these guys. They took me under their wing and allowed me to learn from them. They didn’t shy away from trying to help me as much as they could. That definitely made a difference.
?Connor Zilisch, Driver
Throughout the race, the Cadillac maintained steady pace and skillfully managed multi-class traffic, while strategic updates kept the car competitive through both daytime and nighttime challenges.
Overcoming Setbacks Amid Challenging Race Conditions
The team faced several difficulties during the overnight segments, including unexpected strategy changes and on-track incidents. However, timely cautions in the final hours gave the No. 31 Cadillac an opportunity to rejoin the front-runners.
Yeah, obviously, I was upset at myself, but the cautions ended up falling at the right time and put us back in the race. Maybe having the track position earlier would have helped, but I don’t know if it really affected the outcome.
?Connor Zilisch, Driver
Reflecting on both his own error and the competition, Zilisch acknowledged Porsche’s strength throughout testing and the race itself.
I think the Porsches were really strong, and I think everybody saw that from testing until now. Yeah, I definitely kicked myself and was upset, but looking at it from a bird’s-eye view, I don’t know if it really affected the outcome.
?Connor Zilisch, Driver
The well-timed cautions helped the Cadillac mount a late charge, continuously pressuring the leaders until the race’s final stages.
Racing Against Top Factory Teams and Gaining Experience
Porsche Penske Motorsport ultimately secured the victory, dominating the final portion of the race with superior pace. The intense competition highlighted the depth and skill level within the GTP field.
But for me, I just think learning the car, learning the traffic, and figuring everything out was a lot of fun. It was a challenge racing against the best of the best in the world. Having to go against a lot of guys who are factory drivers and do this all the time, and for me, it’s kind of once a year, I know what I’m stepping into when I do it. I know that I need to step up and be good for my team and not let my team down.
?Connor Zilisch, Driver
The No. 31 Cadillac team demonstrated resilience and teamwork to claim a strong second place after a demanding 24-hour event.
I’m just really proud of the entire team. It was a long race. We definitely had a lot of setbacks. It was a unique 24. I’m grateful they gave me the chance, and hopefully I can come back.
?Connor Zilisch, Driver
The Rolex 24 drew enthusiastic crowds and delivered an exciting kickoff to the IMSA season. While Porsche earned the win, the Whelen Cadillac V-Series R and its young driver, Connor Zilisch, left Daytona with a remarkable debut result that promises more strong performances to come.
