Conor Zilisch wants a Rolex 24 repeat before NASCAR starts

Connor Zilisch has had extra success than most professional racers — not to mention most 18 12 months olds. In 2024 alone, he earned class victories within the Rolex 24 and Sebring 12 endurance occasions, gained 5 of the eight ARCA races he entered, earned pole position for his first NASCAR Truck start, and went on to win in his NASCAR Xfinity debut at Watkins Glen. 

Going into 2025, expectations are excessive as he embarks on his rookie Xfinity season with JR Motorsports, however first Zilisch has to get via the Rolex 24 once more. Although already an LMP2 class winner within the prestigious race, this weekend’s race presents a really completely different scenario for the younger racer.

“New workforce, new automobile, new class — every thing is completely different,” Zilisch advised Motorsport.

Feeling like a rookie, even because the defending winner

Zilisch shall be driving a Chevrolet Corvette for Trackhouse Racing alongside Kiwi dream team Shane van Gisbergen and Scott McLaughlin, and Ben Keating. On condition that group’s expertise — and Zilisch’s age — it is no shock that, regardless of all his success, he nonetheless feels just like the rookie on his workforce.

“I undoubtedly really feel like there’s quite a bit for me to be taught from all of my teammates, Ben [Keating] included,” mentioned Zilisch. “He is bought a lot expertise in sports activities automobiles.”

The New Zealanders on the squad have not gained a Rolex watch, however they’re each winners of the Bathurst 12, and are remarkably versatile drivers with success throughout wildly completely different racing disciplines on either side of the globe.

“I attempt to not set my expectations too excessive,” Zilisch mentioned. “In racing, there are such a lot of variables and so many issues that may change and occur throughout a race, particularly in [the Rolex 24] … I take that very same mindset into the Xfinity season as nicely. You solely get your rookie season as soon as in NASCAR, and I am gonna attempt and ensure to take advantage of it.”

#91 Trackhouse by TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Ben Keating, Connor Zilisch, Scott McLaughlin, Shane van Gisbergen

Photograph by: James Gilbert – Motorsport Photographs

Past his Xfinity season beginning quickly, the 18-year-old will make his NASCAR Cup debut in March at COTA, driving the No. 87 Chevrolet for Trackhouse. Notably, will probably be sponsored by Red Bull as the energy drink brand returns to stock car racing for the primary time in 14 years. 

“The Cup automobile is quite a bit completely different,” mentioned Zilisch in a press convention at Daytona Worldwide Speedway. “I undoubtedly have quite a bit to be taught there. It is only a complete completely different stage within the Cup Sequence. Clearly, I wish to get my toes moist as early as attainable and get an understanding of what my future might appear like. I am actually excited for that. It’ll be loads of enjoyable. Issues have progressed actually quick.”

That is an understatement. Zilisch made his ARCA debut in August of 2023, his Xfinity debut in September of final 12 months, and now he’ll have a Cup race below his belt by spring of this 12 months. And probably a second Rolex on his wrist by the tip of tomorrow.