Connor Zilisch just can’t seem to catch a break. After missing out on the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity title, he’s now out of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Rookie Test in Bahrain on November 9.
The reason? Not enough ACCUS license points, a technical rule that cost him a shot at the Hypercar test. It’s a frustrating setback, but his path’s far from over. He’s already lined up for an IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship test and could make the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona grid.
Connor Zilisch’s 10-win rookie season was one of the best in the 2025 season. But thanks to NASCAR’s playoff format, the same one fans still grumble about, he fell short of the championship and, now, the WEC test too.
The Xfinity Challenge and WEC Exclusion
Connor Zilisch’s 2025 Xfinity season was nothing short of wild. He racked up 10 wins, eight poles, and averaged an 8.2 finish over 31 races. But in the end, one race decided everything. Jesse Love walked away with the championship at Phoenix, leaving Zilisch short on both the title and the FIA license points he needed.
As RJ O’Connell and Stephen Kilbey Dailysportscar reported, missing that title kept him off the Test list.
“By missing out on the Xfinity Series title, DSC has been told that he does not have the required number of ACCUS (Automobile Competition Committee for the United States) licence points to test the Hypercar, and has been scratched from the entry as a result.”
The FIA’s system favors champions over season stats, which meant his Hypercar test with Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA was off. It’s also another reminder of how NASCAR’s playoff timing can mess with drivers trying to juggle international commitments.
IMSA Pathway and Daytona Potential
Connor Zilisch isn’t stopping there. He’s lined up to test with Action Express Racing in a Cadillac V-Series R under IMSA rules. IMSA’s entry requirements are different, allowing him to join.
This test could open doors to a full GTP seat at the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona. Dailysportscar said he’s expected on the provisional entry list for the IMSA test. His record proves his readiness. He won his class at the 2024 Rolex 24 with Era Motorsport and again at the 12 Hours of Sebring. That same year, he finished third in the Michelin Endurance Cup LMP2 standings.
Connor Zilisch’s Diverse Achievements
Connor Zilisch’s rise through the ranks has been quick. He started out in karting, taking home the 2020 CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy. He also picked up victories in late models and the ARCA Menards Series before landing a full-time NASCAR Cup seat with Trackhouse Racing in 2025.
Add to that a Red Bull sponsorship and the grit to race through a broken collarbone, and you get a picture of a driver built for anything. His success across NASCAR and IMSA proves just how adaptable he is; not many 19-year-olds can say the same.
Connor Zilisch’s story shows both the limits of racing rules and the drive of a rare talent. His next steps could shape a bold new chapter in his career.
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