A New Chapter for the Young Prodigy
Connor Zilisch, the 20‑year‑old NASCAR Cup Series rookie, has signed a multi‑year contract with Hendrick Motorsports, securing the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet for the 2028 season.
The agreement ends his tenure with Trackhouse Racing, a team that transformed from a single‑car operation in 2021 into a three‑vehicle program that now fields Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen.
Bittersweet Goodbyes and Future Ambitions
Justin Marks, founder of Trackhouse Racing, called the departure bittersweet, highlighting Zilisch’s promise while reflecting on the team’s rapid growth.
Zilisch’s rookie year has been marked by eight DNFs, a single top‑ten finish and a 34th‑place finish in the championship among full‑time drivers, yet he remains the only eligible candidate for the 2026 Rookie of the Year award.
With contracts for Chastain and van Gisbergen set to expire after the 2027 season, Trackhouse must decide whether to retain its current lineup or reshape the roster, a decision that will define its competitive outlook.
The move underscores the shifting dynamics of NASCAR’s driver market, where young talent is increasingly courted by historic powerhouses seeking long‑term stability.