Justin Marks Talks Rolex 24: Trackhouse Entry, NASCAR Takeaways, and Team Dynamics

Daytona Beach, Fla. — Trackhouse Racing founder and co-owner Justin Marks is no stranger to pushing boundaries in motorsport. Known for his bold vision in NASCAR, Marks has expanded his racing footprint by fielding a car in this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona. While the event marks a milestone for Trackhouse, Marks explained that it’s about more than just competing—it’s about learning, growing, and fostering opportunities for his drivers.

Why Field a Car in the Rolex 24?

Marks revealed that the decision to enter a car in the prestigious endurance race stems from his desire to immerse Trackhouse Racing in different forms of motorsport.

“This is one of the most iconic races in the world, and endurance racing teaches you things that are applicable everywhere,” Marks said. “The strategies, the teamwork, the engineering—there’s a lot we can take back to NASCAR. It’s about challenging ourselves as an organization and growing in ways that make us better overall.”

The car, competing in the GTD Pro class, features a stacked roster of drivers, including Shane van Gisbergen (SVG) and Connor Zilisch, both of whom are connected to Trackhouse Racing’s NASCAR programs.

Did Marks Consider Driving?

As a former driver with experience in sports cars and NASCAR, many wondered if Marks would step behind the wheel himself. However, he made it clear that his focus is on the team.

“I love driving, but my role now is to support and manage this team,” Marks said. “The talent we’ve put in this car speaks for itself, and it’s my job to give them the resources they need to succeed. For now, I’m happy to be on the pit wall.”

Best Practices for NASCAR

Marks also sees the Rolex 24 as a testing ground for ideas and innovations that could benefit his NASCAR operations.

“There’s so much to learn here, from pit strategies to how drivers communicate with engineers over long stints,” Marks explained. “It’s a different world, but the principles of teamwork and adaptability are the same. If we can take even a fraction of what we learn here and apply it to our NASCAR program, it’s worth it.”

SVG and Zilisch: Building Chemistry

A key storyline in the Trackhouse Rolex 24 entry is the pairing of Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch. SVG, a three-time Supercars champion, made waves with his NASCAR debut in 2023, while Zilisch is one of Trackhouse’s rising stars.

Marks believes the opportunity for the two to work together as co-drivers is invaluable.

“Having Shane and Connor on the same team is huge for their development,” Marks said. “They’re both incredibly talented, but this is a chance for them to bond, learn from each other, and build chemistry. That can only help when they return to NASCAR or any other racing discipline.”

Looking Ahead

For Justin Marks and Trackhouse Racing, the Rolex 24 is more than just a race—it’s an experiment, an opportunity, and a statement of intent. With a car in one of the world’s premier endurance events, Marks is proving that Trackhouse isn’t just a NASCAR team but a motorsport powerhouse ready to embrace any challenge.

As the race continues, all eyes will be on SVG, Zilisch, and the entire Trackhouse effort to see how their venture into endurance racing unfolds—and what it might mean for their future.

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