A New Chapter for the No. 48
Connor Zilisch, a native of the Charlotte metropolitan area, burst onto the national stage in 2024 by winning his debut in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The victory marked the start of a rapid ascent that saw him capture ten victories in 32 starts the following year and lead nearly one‑fifth of the laps he completed.
Despite a promising start, his full‑time debut in the Cup Series has been more modest. In 2026 he managed only a single top‑10 finish across 24 races and ended the season 34th in the championship standings, a result that reflects both the learning curve and the competitiveness of the series.
Rick Hendrick, the longtime owner of Hendrick Motorsports, has voiced strong confidence in Zilisch’s abilities, describing the young driver as "a gifted young racer" with the talent and character to uphold the team’s legacy. Hendrick’s endorsement underscores the significance of the upcoming role.
Zilisch will replace Alex Bowman, who retired after the 2027 season, in the iconic No. 48 car — a seat steeped in NASCAR history and sponsored by Ally. The team plans to field the car at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on August 23, 2028, with the event slated for a USA Network broadcast.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Zilisch called it a "dream" and expressed gratitude for Hendrick Motorsports’ belief in him. He emphasized his commitment to continuing the No. 48 Ally team’s tradition while aiming to contribute to its future success.