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NASCAR Star Connor Zilisch Earns Daytona Test in Cadillac LMDh
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Highlights
- Connor Zilisch to test Cadillac LMDh at Daytona Nov 14-16
- Zilisch joins Action Express Racing’s #31 Cadillac with veteran drivers
- Zilisch missed WEC rookie test due to lack of ACCUS license points
- Cadillac F1 reserve Colton Herta also to test for Wayne Taylor Racing
- Zilisch aims for GTP drive with Cadillac at 2026 Rolex 24
- Zilisch expected to join NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing 2026
NASCAR Xfinity runner-up Connor Zilisch will sample Cadillac’s LMDh at Daytona on November 14‑16, sharing Action Express Racing’s #31 V‑Series.R with Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, and Frederik Vesti.
The run follows absence from the WEC rookie test in Bahrain, where ACCUS license points shortfall prevented participation after an Xfinity title defeat to Jesse Love under the playoff format.
Zilisch owns two LMP2 class wins in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, and this outing is positioned as a stepping stone toward a potential 2026 Rolex 24 GTP seat with Cadillac.
Daytona test set for November 14–16 with AXR’s #31 alongside Aitken, Bamber, and Vesti.
The evaluation will focus on hybrid deployment, braking feel, tire management, and traffic handling, with AXR benchmarking his feedback and consistency against its established endurance core.
Integrating a 19‑year‑old prospect alongside multiple champions offers AXR useful comparison data, while giving Zilisch exposure to Cadillac procedures, simulator correlation, and multi‑driver run plans at Daytona.
The regulatory backdrop matters. WEC’s rookie test requires points under ACCUS oversight, whereas IMSA manufacturer tests allow teams to evaluate candidates without the same threshold.
ACCUS license points kept Zilisch out of the Bahrain WEC rookie test despite his strong 2024 record.
Proving adaptability in a V‑Series.R at Daytona is therefore strategically valuable, both for AXR’s depth options and for Zilisch’s route to future ACO‑rulebook opportunities.
Cadillac reserve Colton Herta will test with Wayne Taylor Racing. He targets FIA Formula 2 in 2026 and carries 2024 Sebring 12 Hours victory plus BMW M Hybrid V8 mileage.
Colton Herta tests with Wayne Taylor Racing, bringing Sebring-winning pedigree and hybrid prototype experience.
Herta’s presence broadens Cadillac’s comparative data across driver profiles, while Zilisch’s feedback will be judged against veterans Bamber and Aitken, plus newcomer Vesti.
Away from IMSA, Zilisch is expected to join Trackhouse Racing in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, with indications he could replace Daniel Suarez.
Managing crossover programmes is increasingly common, but endurance opportunities will hinge on availability and whether Cadillac sees sufficient performance upside.
Headline lap times will be secondary. AXR will look for error‑free long‑runs, tire life preservation, energy deployment discipline, and how quickly Zilisch aligns with engineering targets.
Delivering that profile at Daytona would strengthen his case for additional mileage and, ultimately, a Rolex 24 opportunity in Cadillac’s GTP programme.
A strong test could position Zilisch for a 2026 Rolex 24 GTP role with Cadillac.
Visual Summary
John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.
