Connor Zilisch has had quite the past year.
The 17-year-old racer started out the year in Mazda MX-5 Cup while also racing in Trans-Am Series presented by Pirelli in the TA2 class. Zilisch ended up fourth in TA2 points and eighth in MX-5 Cup. He also made a one-off appearance in the TA class, winning on debut from pole at VIRginia International Raceway.
For 2024, Zilisch has been signed to a development deal with Trackhouse Racing. He’ll compete in events in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (once he turns 18), the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, the ARCA Menards Series and the CARS Tour. He’ll also compete in the five Michelin Endurance Cup races for Era Motorsport in an ORECA 07-Gibson and continue in Trans-Am.
In Daytona, during Rolex 24 Media Day, Zilisch sat down with Frontstretch‘s Phil Allaway to talk about his upcoming 2024 season, winning a shootout to get his prototype ride and more.
Phil Allaway, Frontstretch: How did this deal with Era Motorsport come together for you?
Connor Zilisch: My team manager in MX-5 Cup [with Hixon Motor Sports] knows the manager at Era Motorsport. Through that relationship, I ended up getting a test [at Daytona International Speedway road course] about a month ago. There were three other drivers at the test, and I had the opportunity to get out there and show my talent.
Fortunately, I was able to get the seat. I’ll be running the five Michelin Endurance Cup races this year alongside Ryan Dalziel and Dwight Merriman. Christian [Rasmussen] is also here in Daytona with us. I feel like we have a really good lineup and a great team around me. I’m excited for the season with Era [Motorsport] and looking forward to seeing what we can do.
Allaway: Was the shootout the only time that you’ve gotten to drive the car?
Zilisch: Yeah, it was my only chance. I probably got 40 or 50 laps, and that was it. I still have a lot to learn, but thankfully, we’ve got a lot of practice here at the ROAR [Before the 24], and I’ll have some time next week as well.
Allaway: Last year, you made your ARCA debut at Watkins Glen International. It was a bit of a messy race, held in mixed conditions. You scored a second-place finish there with Pinnacle. How would you describe your debut?
Zilisch: It went really well. Obviously, after leading 34 of 42 laps, finishing second was not what we wanted to do. Still a lot to be proud of when you go out there and make your debut, finish second and lead…
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