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Former Rookie of the Year and recipient of the 2021 Mazda Shootout Scholarship, Connor Zilisch (No. 72 BSI Racing), qualified on pole for the first round of the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by M…
Connor Zilisch, former Rookie of the Year and winner of the 2021 Mazda Shootout Scholarship, secured pole position for the opening round of the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin season. With ambitions of claiming his first victory at Daytona International Speedway, Zilisch is competing in both the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup and the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in the LMP2 category. Despite having to quickly transition from the LMP2 car to his MX-5 for qualifying, Zilisch expressed gratitude for the exceptional performance of his BSI Racing car. He looks forward to the race and hopes to leave the weekend with three wins and a Rolex. Zilisch’s teammate, Selin Rollan, provided drafting assistance and secured the second position on the grid. Aaron Jeansonne, another former Mazda Shootout scholarship winner, will start third alongside his teammate and reigning Mazda MX-5 Cup champion, Jared Thomas. The first race of the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin is scheduled to begin on Thursday, January 24, at 4:15 pm ET, with live streaming available on RACER.com and IMSA.com/TV. The second race is set for Friday, January 25, at 10:15 am ET.
