A big piece of the NASCAR Silly Season puzzle has dropped into place when Hendrick Motorsports named the replacement for Alex Bowman when he retires at the end of the 2027 season.
Currently in his rookie season with Trackhouse Racing, Connor Zilisch will be moving to HMS to drive the number 48 car beginning with the 2028 season with a multi-year contract and Ally staying on as the primary sponsor!
Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks signed Zilisch to a multi-year development contract when Zilisch was just 17 years old.
Driving for JR Motorsports last season, Zilisch won 10 races in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (then Xfinity).
Seen in the Cup Series garage as “a can’t-miss prospect”, Hendrick jumped at the chance to grab the young phenom as soon as the opportunity became available.
Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick spoke on Zilisch in a team release saying, “Connor is a truly gifted young racer. His talent behind the wheel is exceptional, but I’m even more impressed by the person he is. When someone with that kind of ability and character becomes available, you do everything you can to bring them into your organization. We have tremendous confidence in Connor, and we believe he’s the right driver to build on the legacy of the number 48 Ally team for many years to come.”
Speaking via release, Connor Zilisch said, “this is one of those moments you dream about as a kid. Hendrick Motorsports has always represented the standard in our sport, and being entrusted to help continue that legacy means everything to me. The chance to drive a Chevrolet for Mr. Hendrick, carry the colors of an incredible partner like Ally and compete alongside some of the best drivers and people in racing is what you work so hard for. I’m grateful for the confidence they’ve shown in me, and it’s my job to prove they made the right decision.”
When Connor Zilisch takes over the driving duties of the number 48 car in 2028, he will be joining HMS teammates Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Kyle Larson.
Justin Marks spoke on Zilisch via social media saying, “it’s a bittersweet moment for Trackhouse, but I am truly happy for Connor to get an opportunity that many drivers only dream of. While our goal was always to have him in our cars for the long term, I’m still excited for the opportunity we have with him now and in 2027. At Trackhouse, our mandate remains to work hard, accomplish big things with Connor while we have him, and position this 88 Chevy team to move into the 2028 NASCAR Cup season ready for a new, inspiring, and talented driver that will author the next chapter in this amazing book we are writing. But not yet.”
In a video on social media Zilisch said, “obviously, the 48 has a legacy and it’s one that I can’t wait to carry on and continue to build my own story with Hendrick Motorsports and everyone involved. It’s going to be awesome and I can’t wait for the opportunity to come in 2028. But I’m also grateful for Justin Marks and Trackhouse Racing. I wouldn’t be here today without them. Justin took a chance on me when I was 16 and not many people knew who I was and then gave me my first shot in the Cup Series as well. And I’ll be forever grateful for what you did for me and what your team has done for me as well. We still have a lot of work to do together, a lot of wins to chase and I can’t wait for that and next season.”
Included in his numerous accolades behind the wheel is a 2024 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona win.