Hendrick Motorsports announced that Connor Zilisch will take the wheel of its iconic No. 48 Chevrolet in the 2028 NASCAR Cup Series, marking a bold step toward the future of the sport.
A Strategic Shift in the Cup Series
The 20‑year‑old prodigy, who spent the past three years with Trackhouse Racing, signed a multi‑year agreement that will officially begin in late 2027, even though the team has delayed his full‑time debut until nearly 18 months from now.
In a related move, Hendrick extended Alex Bowman’s contract for one final season before the veteran driver steps away from full‑time competition, ensuring continuity for the organization.
Ally Financial, the primary sponsor of the No. 48 car for a decade, will remain on board, providing stability as the team transitions to a new generation of talent.
Team owner Justin Marks of Trackhouse Racing has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the organization despite the loss of Zilisch, emphasizing long‑term investment in both NASCAR and MotoGP programs.
The acquisition underscores Hendrick’s reputation as the winningest team in NASCAR history, leveraging its deep resources to attract the sport’s most promising young driver.