Bobby Travis · NASCAR/IndyCar Correspondent
A 20-year-old prospect gets one of the most iconic rides in the Cup Series field, as Hendrick Motorsports secures its future plans beyond Alex Bowman.
Connor Zilisch will move from Trackhouse Racing to Hendrick Motorsports starting in the 2028 season, taking over the Chevrolet with the No. 48 in the NASCAR Cup Series. The 20-year-old has signed a multi-year contract. He replaces Alex Bowman, who will retire from full-time racing after the 2027 season.
The Deal and Its Timeline
With this signing, Hendrick Motorsports is playing the long game rather than rushing. Zilisch's contract spans multiple years, but his start in the No. 48 is set for 2028, not for the upcoming season. This gives everyone involved breathing room: Bowman completes his final full season in 2027, Zilisch has time to prepare for the transition, and he'll be ready to step into Hendrick's fold when the moment arrives.
That a team like Hendrick Motorsports announces a driver change this far in advance sends a clear message. Hendrick likely wanted to lock in Zilisch early before other organizations had their shot. For the Cup Series, it's already generating conversation about a season that won't start for two more years.
From Trackhouse to One of Racing's Premier Addresses
Zilisch is leaving Trackhouse Racing, a team that has established itself as a serious competitive force in the Cup Series over recent years. The move to Hendrick Motorsports should still qualify as a step up into a different tier: Hendrick ranks among the most successful and resource-rich organizations in all of NASCAR.
For a 20-year-old, an opportunity like this doesn't come around often. The No. 48 is one of the more recognizable numbers in the field, and Hendrick's willingness to entrust it to such a young driver speaks volumes about its confidence in Zilisch's development so far.
Bowman's Departure and the Road to 2027
Alex Bowman will step away from full-time racing after the 2027 season. Until then, he remains the driver of the No. 48, with Zilisch's arrival scheduled as a clean handoff on a fixed date, not an abrupt mid-season shuffle.
Both drivers have plenty of racing ahead before the actual transition. Bowman will contest his final full season in the No. 48, while Zilisch should use his remaining time at Trackhouse Racing to build his case for joining one of the Cup Series' biggest teams. How the transition plays out in detail, whether through test sessions or joint appearances by the two drivers, will likely become clearer as the 2027 season approaches.
