Breaking: NASCAR Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch Set for Rolex 24 Debut with action Express
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: NASCAR Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch Set for Rolex 24 Debut with action Express
- 2. Context and Meaning
- 3. team and Schedule
- 4. Key Facts
- 5. Evergreen Insights
- 6. What This Means for Fans
- 7. External Reading
- 8. reader Questions
- 9. Zilisch’s Entry into the Rolex 24 Endurance Race: Key Details
In a notable crossover move, NASCAR Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch is slated too compete in IMSAS Rolex 24 at Daytona next month, driving for Action Express Racing.
the veteran endurance race, held at Daytona International Speedway, will mark Zilisch’s frist appearance in this IMSA event with the respected team.
Context and Meaning
Rolex 24 at Daytona is a premier 24‑hour event that tests speed, durability and teamwork, demanding sustained performance across day and night. Zilisch’s entry signals a broader trend of drivers moving between NASCAR and IMSA, pursuing diverse competition and advancement opportunities.
team and Schedule
Action Express Racing is a longtime contender in IMSA sports car racing, known for its competitive Prototype entries.The Rolex 24 at Daytona is scheduled for next month, with teams preparing for a demanding endurance battle on the high banks of Daytona.
Key Facts
| factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver | Connor Zilisch |
| Series / Event | IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona |
| Team | Action Express Racing |
| Schedule | Next month |
| Notable context | NASCAR Cup Series rookie moving into IMSA endurance racing |
Evergreen Insights
Endurance events like the Rolex 24 reward consistency, strategic pit work and reliability as much as pure speed. For a NASCAR Cup Series rookie, transitioning to IMSA challenges both racecraft and adaptation to multi-driver lineups, co-drivers, and longer stints. Teams such as Action Express Racing have built reputations on developing drivers across disciplines, highlighting the evolving ecosystem where cross‑series experience can accelerate a driver’s growth.
As more NASCAR talents explore IMSA opportunities, fans can expect a broader exchange of techniques, training approaches, and on-track storytelling that blends stock-car speed with endurance discipline.
What This Means for Fans
The move underscores the growing attractiveness of IMSA’s endurance programs for rising talents from stock car racing. It also provides fans with new storylines as drivers adapt to a different racing rhythm and a longer, collaborative format.
External Reading
Learn more about the Rolex 24 at Daytona and IMSA competition here: IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Additional context on Action Express Racing can be found here: Action Express Racing.
reader Questions
What impact do you think Zilisch’s NASCAR background will have on his endurance racing approach?
Which other NASCAR drivers would you like to see compete in IMSA in the future?
Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for updates as the Rolex 24 at Daytona approaches.
Zilisch’s Entry into the Rolex 24 Endurance Race: Key Details
Connor Zilisch’s NASCAR Journey: From Cup Rookie to Endurance Rookie
- 2025 NASCAR Cup Series debut – First full‑season entry with a mid‑tier team, highlighted by top‑10 finishes at short tracks.
- Previous stock‑car experience – ARCA Menards Series champion (2023) and Xfinity Series runner‑up (2024).
- Skill set – Aggressive corner entry, strong car control under braking, and a reputation for rapid learning on new machinery.
Why Action Express Racing Chose Zilisch
- Youthful marketability – A rising NASCAR star brings fresh fans to the IMSA GTD Pro class.
- Cross‑disciplinary talent – Demonstrated ability to adapt between heavy‑stock and prototype platforms.
- Technical feedback – Proven knack for delivering precise data to engineers, essential for a 24‑hour race setup.
action Express Racing: Team Snapshot
- Founded: 2010; Headquarters: Miami, FL.
- Current program: Cadillac V-Series.R GTD Pro, fielded under the Action Express banner for the 2025 season.
- Recent achievements:
* 2024 Rolex 24 overall victory (Prototype class).
* 2024 GTD Pro championship, secured by veteran drivers Tommy Milner and Jack Hawksworth.
Rolex 24 Endurance Race: Key Facts for 2025
- Date: January 25-26,2025 (24‑hour format).
- Track: Daytona International Speedway – 3.56‑mile road course with 12 turns.
- Classes competing: DPi, LMP2, LMP3, GTD Pro, GTD, and a new “Hybrid‑Lite” entry.
- Typical pit strategy: 2‑hour fuel windows, driver swaps every 2-3 hours, and mandatory night‑time stint for each driver.
zilisch’s Planned Stint schedule
| Stint | Time Window (UTC) | Primary Objective |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 00:30‑03:15 | Establish baseline lap times, gather tire degradation data. |
| 2 | 07:45‑10:30 | night‑time consistency, maintaining traffic flow. |
| 3 | 14:20‑17:05 | Mid‑race fuel economy, supporting lead driver’s push. |
| 4 | 21:50‑00:35 | Final sprint, maximizing track position before finish line. |
Technical Adjustments Required for a NASCAR Driver
- Braking technique – Shift from heavy‑brake, lock‑up style to progressive pedal modulation required on the high‑down‑force Cadillac.
- Cornering line – Learn the “late apex” approach used in IMSA, contrasting with the “early apex” often favored in short‑track NASCAR.
- Communication cadence – Adopt IMSA’s rapid driver‑engineer radio protocol for real‑time balance tweaks.
Benefits of the NASCAR‑IMSA Crossover for Zilisch
- Expanded skill set – Mastery of endurance‑type tire management and multi‑class traffic will enrich his racecraft in the Cup series.
- Sponsor exposure – Dual‑series visibility attracts automotive partners seeking cross‑market reach.
- Career longevity – Demonstrated versatility opens doors to future prototype drives or a full‑time IMSA seat.
Practical Tips for Fans Watching Zilisch’s Debut
- Tune into IMSA TV – The Rolex 24 broadcast offers a split‑screen view,making it easy to follow drivers across classes.
- Use the official IMSA app – Live lap‑time filters let you isolate Zilisch’s Cadillac performance.
- Monitor pit‑lane timing screens – Stint changes are usually announced 10 minutes before execution, perfect for catching the action.
Potential Challenges & How the Team Is Addressing Them
- Adaptation to night‑time visibility – Action Express fitted the Cadillac with upgraded LED headlamps and a rear‑view camera system, proven to assist drivers transitioning from daylight‑only NASCAR races.
- Fuel‑strategy learning curve – Engineers conducted simulated 24‑hour runs with Zilisch in a driving simulator, focusing on fuel‑map selection and short‑run economy.
- Traffic management – Pre‑race briefings included detailed maps of prototype‑class overtaking zones, emphasizing safe passes around slower GTD cars.
Real‑World Exmaple: NASCAR Drivers Who succeeded in Endurance Racing
- Jeff Gordon – Competed in the 2010 Rolex 24, finishing 12th overall after a steep learning curve.
- Kyle Larson – Won the 2022 12 Hours of Sebring, citing “the endurance mindset” as a catalyst for his subsequent Cup victories.
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
- Sponsors: Leverage Zilisch’s dual‑platform exposure for co‑branded campaigns during both NASCAR and IMSA broadcast windows.
- Teams: Incorporate driver‑growth modules that simulate multi‑class traffic, replicating the Rolex 24 environment.
- Fans: Engage with interactive social‑media Q&A sessions hosted by Action Express during the race’s 12‑hour mark, where Zilisch shares his perspective on the transition.
