Hendrick Motorsports Signs Connor Zilisch for 2028
The 20-year-old racer will take over the No. 48 Chevrolet seat starting in 2028.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Motorsports
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Hendrick Motorsports announced the hiring of Connor Zilisch on August 17, 2026. The 20-year-old rookie will transition to drive the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet in 2028.
Why it matters
The move secures a long-term future for the No. 48 entry, which has been driven by Alex Bowman since 2021. Zilisch intends to bring a disciplined work ethic learned from his mother, a decorated former collegiate gymnast, to the team.
Connor Zilisch has recorded 9 DNFs during his current NASCAR Cup Series rookie campaign. He currently holds an average finish of 27.2 across his debut season.
The players
Connor Zilisch
He is a 20-year-old NASCAR Cup Series driver currently competing in his rookie season.
Hendrick Motorsports
This is a prominent NASCAR racing organization that has secured seven Cup Series championships with driver Jimmie Johnson.
Janice Kerr Zilisch
She is an accomplished collegiate athlete who earned All-America honors twice and SEC honors in three consecutive seasons.
Alex Bowman
He is a professional NASCAR driver who has been the primary pilot for the No. 48 car since 2021.
The details
Zilisch, who is currently competing with Trackhouse Racing, works with the University of Florida GatorMade program to build career connections. He credits his mother, Janice Kerr Zilisch, a two-time All-American and former SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, with helping him navigate professional racing challenges.
Timeline
1990 marked the year Janice Kerr was named SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
2021 was when Alex Bowman began driving the No. 48 car.
August 17, 2026, was the date Hendrick Motorsports announced the hiring of Connor Zilisch.
2028 is the year Connor Zilisch will begin driving for Hendrick Motorsports.
Season Trajectory
The hiring of Zilisch signals a long-term transition for the No. 48 entry as the team seeks to build on the legacy of seven Cup Series championships won by Jimmie Johnson. This move impacts the broader driver market as teams look to secure young talent for the next several seasons.
The transition to the No. 48 car in 2028 means Zilisch will no longer be competing as part of the Trackhouse Racing lineup. Fantasy rosters and team depth charts will adjust to reflect this change in the Hendrick Motorsports rotation for future seasons.
The takeaway
Zilisch emphasizes that the discipline required for professional racing is deeply rooted in his family's history of collegiate athletic excellence. His methodical approach to career management through programs like GatorMade suggests a focus on sustainable long-term development.
Further reading
For more on the latest changes in the sport, visit Motorsports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wruf.
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