2022 Mazda MX-5 Cup runner-up and eight-time MX-5 Cup race winner Connor Zilisch returns to the series with BSI Racing. Zilisch's participation adds a third Mazda scholarship recipient to the team, having won the Mazda Shootout in 2021.
The seventeen-year-old is poised to have a busy 2024 IMSA schedule, with Zilisch participating in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup and the WeatherTech Championship after signing with Era Motorsports in the LMP2 class. It will be double duty at the 2024 season opener, racing in rounds 1 and 2 of the MX-5 Cup while competing in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.
The North Carolina-based driver returns to the series with BSI Racing, having worked extensively with Team Owner Principal Shea Holbrook and Team Coach and Head Engineer Andrew Carbonell.
"We are thrilled to be working with Connor and the Zilisch family again.", said Holbrook.
"He's just a tremendous competitor and brings so much positive energy and talent to this team. We're excited to field another big-time driver in this series under the BSI banner."
Zilisch will return to his number 72 livery with Classic Mazda Orlando and Holler-Classic Family of Dealerships as the sponsor. CoAqua Coconut Water has also teamed up with the driver.
"I'm grateful to be back in the Mazda MX-5 Cup and to be reunited with the great folks at BSI Racing," said Zilisch.
"This series and everyone I have worked with over the past couple of seasons has been a massive part of my development as a racing driver, so it's awesome to get the opportunity to compete with them again."
The IMSA paddock benefits from the Zilisch buzz, not only with number 72's return but with the recent announcement of a multi-year deal with NASCAR's Trackhouse Racing, running in the CARS, ARCA, and Xfinity Series.
Racing fans will have the opportunity to meet Zilisch and other BSI Racing drivers at the 16th Annual Classic Mazda of Orlando Race Exhibition on February 10th. The event is free and open to the public, with the first 300 people to RSVP receiving a commemorative t-shirt.
Zilisch chases his first MX-5 Cup win at Daytona International Speedway on January 25th at 4:15 PM on IMSA.TV.