Connor Zilisch, the 20‑year‑old NASCAR Cup Series rookie, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Alex Bowman at Hendrick Motorsports for the 2028 season.
Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks recently said that a 2028 horizon is "a little too far away" to prioritize long‑term contracts with Zilisch, leaving the rookie’s immediate future uncertain.
The allure of Hendrick stems not only from its storied speed but also from the larger financial incentives it can provide a driver still at the start of his career.
A Shifting Landscape
Ross Chastain, a native of Alva, Florida, has shown loyalty to Trackhouse despite the team’s inconsistent performance, notching six victories since he joined in 2022.
Shane van Gisbergen, now in his second full‑time NASCAR season, has already collected eight wins since his debut in 2023 and is widely regarded as the sport’s premier road‑course talent, while continuing to sharpen his oval credentials.
Both Chastain and van Gisbergen are under contract through the 2027 season, and their contractual situations will heavily influence Trackhouse’s plans for a potential third car, a move that could involve a high‑value charter sale.
If Zilisch were to leave, the team would need to fill that seat, and the inability to assemble a championship‑caliber lineup could deter other young prospects from viewing Trackhouse as a viable stepping stone.