The 2025 season didn’t end the way Connor Zilisch imagined- but it did reveal exactly who he is. After electrifying the Xfinity Series with raw speed, fearless moves, and the kind of poise that belied his age, the JR Motorsports phenom arrived at Phoenix Raceway with everything to gain. The trophy was within reach. History was calling. And then, in one cruel twist of fate, it slipped away. The finale ended not with celebration, but with heartbreak.

In 2026, Zilisch will take the biggest step of his young career, trading promise for permanence on NASCAR’s grandest stage. But before the green flag ever waves on his Cup debut, Zilisch is heading somewhere familiar. Back to the track where belief was first built. Back to the place that reminds everyone—himself included—why the next chapter might be even more dangerous than the last.

Connor Zilisch will start 2026 with a bang

“Connor Zilisch will race the Rolex 24 in the Action Express No. 31 Cadillac. Teammates with Earl Bamber, Jack Aitken and Frederik Vesti,” journalist Bob Pockrass wrote on X.

Before debuting in the NASCAR Cup Series as a rookie full-time driver for Trackhouse Racing, Connor Zilisch will have his hands full. He will make his third consecutive start at IMSA’s Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway, a few weeks before his Daytona 500 debut.

Zilisch’s Rolex 24 debut in 2024 as a 17-year-old led to victory in the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class. In 2025, he drove a Trackhouse-prepared GTD Pro entry, and this year, Zilisch will appear in the main GTP class.

Driving for Action Express Racing, Connor Zilisch is excited. “The Rolex 24 is one of my favorite races, and I’m thrilled to be with one of the best teams in the IMSA paddock. I’m very thankful to everyone at GM and Cadillac Racing for their help in making this happen. This is such a cool opportunity. We had a solid test in November at Daytona. I really enjoyed working with all the guys on the Whelen team and can’t wait to get back there for the race.”

“Connor Zilisch, AJ Allmendinger are Cup drivers in the Rolex 24. INDYCAR drivers announced: Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, Nolan Siegel, Christian Rasmussen, Will Power, Kyle Kirkwood, Marcus Ericsson, Callum Ilott, Kyffin Simpson. Plus Colton Herta, James Hinchcliffe. Could be more,” Bob Pockrass further updated on X about Zilisch’s competitors in the endurance classic.

This endeavor will mark a fresh start for Connor Zilisch, as he fell short of clinching the 2025 Xfinity Series championship. Despite winning 10 races throughout the season, Zilisch lost out to Jesse Love at the Phoenix finale.

So clearly, the youngster’s hopes are undiluted as he rapidly approaches his Rolex 24 appearance and Cup Series debut.

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The colors of a blazing season

Connor Zilisch did not win the title, but he put up a fantastic season nonetheless. From outsmarting road course final boss Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma to defying terrible injuries to win more trophies, Zilisch achieved great success.

And the person behind his weekly paint schemes was also someone remarkable – JR Motorsports designer Ryan Williams. As creative director at Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team, Williams oversees everything from race car liveries to team merchandise, helping the squad stand out.

His graphics not only became a signature part of JRM’s identity but also won an award. “Great job all year. Loved the KOA car (and all the rest….),” Connor Zilisch’s father, Jim, congratulated Williams on X.

Ryan Williams was awarded Designer of the Year at the Grand National Bash Awards, recognizing his remarkable creative influence on the 2025 NASCAR season. Williams’ meticulous attention to livery design and his collaborative spirit have made JRM’s cars instantly recognizable on and off the racetrack.

What is more, his designs were under the spotlight every time Connor Zilisch took the No. 88 Chevrolet to Victory Lane.

Clearly, 2025 was not that bad for the JR Motorsports fold. Now, Connor Zilisch is fully focused on 2026 – let’s wait and see what unfolds.