Connor Zilisch, the 20‑year‑old prodigy who captured ten victories in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series last year, is poised to step into NASCAR’s premier division.
The young driver will take over the legendary No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in the 2028 Cup Series, a seat that became vacant after Alex Bowman retired following the 2027 season.
A Multi‑Year Commitment and New Sponsorship
Hendrick Motorsports announced a multi‑year agreement that not only secures Zilisch’s services but also retains Ally as the primary sponsor of the No. 48 car through 2028. The partnership reflects the team’s confidence in the driver’s rapid ascent.
While Zilisch will contest the full 2028 schedule in the No. 48, he will also remain in Trackhouse Racing’s No. 88 entry for the 2027 season, using that platform to fine‑tune his skills before the transition.
Zilisch’s résumé includes a second‑place finish in the 2026 points standings despite a challenging rookie year that yielded one top‑10 finish and eight DNFs in 24 starts. His 2025 dominance, where he won ten races and finished runner‑up for the championship, cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s most promising talents.
The move marks a strategic shift for both Zilisch and the organizations involved. Trackhouse Racing will continue to develop the No. 88 car, while Hendrick Motorsports looks to blend the youthful energy of Zilisch with its storied legacy.
Fans can expect a fresh face in the iconic No. 48, a car that has seen legendary drivers before him. As the 2028 season approaches, all eyes will be on the young driver who is set to write the next chapter of his career on NASCAR’s biggest stage.