Connor Girish, who finished second in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, will get his first experience driving the LMDh prototype during IMSA-sanctioned testing at Daytona. The 19-year-old American will team up with Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, and Frederic Vesti, sharing the #31 Action Express Racing Cadillac V-Series.R at Daytona International Speedway from November 14-16.
Girish, already a two-time winner in the LMP2 category of the IMSA Sports Car Championship, is being considered for a GTP seat with Cadillac’s factory team ahead of the 24 Hours of Daytona next year. “I hope to make the most of this chance and hopefully secure more opportunities with Cadillac,” he said, adding that competing at the highest level of endurance racing has always been his dream.
This announcement follows news that Girish was unable to take part in the Bahrain World Endurance Championship rookie test due to insufficient ACCUS license points, a setback linked to losing the Xfinity title to Jesse Love under NASCAR’s playoff system. Because of this loss, Girish missed the ACCUS points needed for the Bahrain test.
In 2026, Girish is expected to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing, where he may replace Daniel Suarez. Meanwhile, Cadillac F1 reserve Colton Herta will also take part in next year’s IMSA test at Daytona, driving a V-Series.R for Wayne Taylor Racing. Herta, who won the 2024 12 Hours of Sebring with Acura and has raced BMW M Hybrid V8 cars, is moving to F2 next year in pursuit of his Grand Prix goals.
Fan Take: This move is exciting for NASCAR fans because it highlights young talent like Connor Girish crossing over into endurance racing, bringing fresh energy and potential to both series. It also signals growing collaboration between NASCAR and sports car racing, which could lead to more versatile drivers and new racing opportunities in the future.
