By David Morgan, Associate Editor
Connor Zilisch is heading to Hendrick Motorsports for the 2028 NASCAR Cup Series season and beyond, taking over the No. 48 Chevrolet once Alex Bowman departs at the end of next season.
Hendrick Motorsports made the announcement on Monday that the touted rookie would be coming into the organization on a multi-year deal.
“Connor is a truly gifted young racer,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports.
“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 No. 48 Ally team for many years to come.”
The 20-year-old has been blazing up the ranks since making his NASCAR national series debut in 2024 and signing with Trackhouse Racing in that same year.
Zilisch won his first race in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with JR Motorsports that same season before going on a heater the following year, banking 10 wins before finishing as the runner-up in the championship standings.
He made his move up to the NASCAR Cup Series this season with Trackhouse, and while it has been a rocky transition with only one top-10 finish and eight DNFs through the first 24 races of the year, the potential for Zilisch far outweighs the learning curve he is under in 2026.
Zilisch’s contract with Trackhouse only lasted through the end of the 2027 season, making him a hot prospect on the free agent market, one that Hendrick Motorsports was quick to lock down for the future.
“This is one of those moments you dream about as a kid,” Zilisch said.
“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.”
Zilisch will remain at Trackhouse through the end of the 2027 season before moving over to Hendrick Motorsports to join the stable of drivers that includes two-time and defending Cup champion Kyle Larson, 2020 champion Chase Elliott, and perennial championship contender William Byron.
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