Trackhouse development driver Connor Zilisch wins Rolex 24 at Daytona in LMP2
Less than three weeks after Trackhouse Racing signed Connor Zilisch to a development deal, he’s a Rolex 24 at Daytona winner. Zilisch was part of the Era Motorsport team that won the LMP2 category in Daytona. The NASCAR prospect showed poise and skill behind the wheel.
Driving these prototype cars is not easy. These are advanced cars with lots of tech and they happen to go very, very fast. Connor Zilisch, at just 17 years and 191 days old, is now a Rolex 24 winner at Daytona.
By my count, that makes Zilisch the second youngest winner in Rolex 24 history, regardless of class. He just beats out Pato O’Ward who won the GTD class in 2017. However, Michael de Quesada’s 2017 victory in the Prototype Challenge came at just 17 years and 63 days old.
Trackhouse Racing is elated that their recent driver signing has already paid off in a way. Zilisch is going to be busy over the next two years, driving just about anything he can as he works his way up the ranks in American motorsports.
Incoming IndyCar rookie Christian Rasmussen was the driver who finished up the 24-hour race for Era Motorsport. Connor Zilisch passed the car off to him with about an hour to go in the race. They were able to hold off the rest of the LMP2 cars on their way to a comfortable win of about three to four seconds.
Connor Zilisch wins, begins 2024 season strong
So, what does this mean for Zilisch? Well, I think he’s living up to his lauded abilities so far. When this signing happened, it was seen universally as a good deal for Trackhouse and the driver himself.
Starting 2024 with a win in the Rolex 24 is massive. He’s going to be racing in the CARS Tour, NASCAR Xfinity and Trucks, ARCA, IMSA, Mazda MX-5 Cup, and possibly other series as well. Until he turns 18, he can’t race on the larger tracks. However, that will change next July.
Looking at what Zilisch has been able to do in Trans Am and now IMSA, he does appear to be a star of the future. He has a great attitude, loves to race, and appears willing to do whatever he has to do to be successful.
While it is early in his career, I don’t think you want to take your eyes off Connor Zilisch. Whether he goes into NASCAR, IndyCar, or becomes an IMSA driver full-time – Zilisch is going to find success.
Trackhouse Racing continues to look like geniuses with the moves they make.