NASCAR rookie Connor Zilisch has signed a multiyear agreement to pilot the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports beginning in the 2028 season. Zilisch, currently competing for Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, will succeed Alex Bowman. Bowman, who began racing for Hendrick in 2016, confirmed he is retiring from full-time competitive racing after the 2027 season.
Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick lauded the signing, stating, “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.”
The 20-year-old Zilisch currently ranks 34th in the Cup Series standings, recording one top-10 finish alongside eight DNFs. Despite these struggles, he demonstrated significant potential during his 2026 campaign in the second-tier O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. In that season, he finished second in the standings, securing 10 wins, 20 top-five finishes, and 23 top-10 finishes across 32 races.
Regarding the career milestone, Zilisch expressed his enthusiasm: “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.”
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