The 64th edition of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the inaugural event of the 2026 IMSA SportsCar Championship season, is set to take place on January 24-25. This prestigious endurance sports car race will feature a diverse lineup of drivers, including emerging talent, seasoned veterans, and NASCAR Cup Series participants.
Notably, 19-year-old Connor Zilisch has been promoted to the premier GTP class, where he will drive for Action Express Racing’s #31 Cadillac V-Series.R alongside Earl Bamber, Jack Aitken, and Frederik Vesti. Zilisch’s rapid rise to prominence began with a win in the LMP2 class on his debut in 2024, followed by a stint in the GTD Pro class in 2025. His advancement to the top tier of endurance sports car racing underscores his potential as a generational talent.
Another NASCAR driver participating in the 2026 Rolex 24 is AJ Allmendinger, who will compete for Meyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian in the #60 Acura ARX-06 (GTP). Allmendinger, a 2012 overall winner of the Rolex 24, will share driving duties with Tom Blomqvist, Colin Braun, and IndyCar legend Scott Dixon. The 44-year-old full-time Cup Series driver is known for his versatility and has secured three Cup Series wins.
The 2026 Rolex 24 will feature a full grid of 61 cars across three classes: GTP, LMP2, and GTD. The entry list includes a mix of experienced drivers and newcomers, with several IndyCar Series participants, such as Alex Palou, Will Power, and Kyle Kirkwood, also taking part. The event promises to be an exciting showcase of endurance racing, with a range of talented drivers competing for top honors.
The GTP class will see strong competition, with teams like Action Express Racing, Meyer Shank Racing, and Cadillac Racing vying for the top spot. The LMP2 class will feature a mix of established teams and newcomers, while the GTD class will see a range of manufacturers, including Acura, BMW, and Ferrari, represented.
As the 2026 IMSA SportsCar Championship season gets underway, the Rolex 24 at Daytona is poised to be an thrilling event, with a talented field of drivers and a range of competitive teams. With its rich history and reputation for excitement, the Rolex 24 is an event not to be missed for motorsport enthusiasts.