Connor Zilisch will join Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2028, taking over the No. 48 after signing a multi-year agreement, the team announced Aug. 17.
Zilisch replaces Alex Bowman in the No. 48 after Bowman announced last month that he will retire from full-time Cup competition following the 2027 season.
Ally will remain the sponsor of Zilisch’s entry.
“His talent behind the wheel is exceptional, but I’m even more impressed by the person he is,” team owner Rick Hendrick said in a release. “When someone with that kind of ability and character becomes available, you do everything you can to bring them into your organization.”
“This is one of those moments you dream about as a kid,” Zilisch added. “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.”
In his first full-time season in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2025, Zilisch won 10 races, eight poles and the regular-season championship. He also recorded 18 consecutive top-five finishes. Through 45 starts, Zilisch has 13 wins and 10 poles.
Zilisch will remain with Trackhouse Racing through the 2027 season before joining Hendrick in 2028. In his rookie season with the team, he is currently 34th in points with one top 10.
“It’s a bittersweet moment for Trackhouse, but I am truly happy for Connor to get an opportunity that many drivers only dream of,” Trackhouse owner Justin Marks said. “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 [No.] 88 Chevy team to move into the 2027 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.”
Cameron Bebeau is a Communications & Media Studies student at Fayetteville State University, where he serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Voice, the university's student newspaper.
A two-time NC College Media Awards nominee, Cameron has spent his collegiate journalism career finding and covering stories within NASCAR and local motorsports. Cameron is based in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
For just the road courses or all year? ;)