Connor Zilisch Secures Multiyear Deal with Hendrick Motorsports for 2028

On Monday, 20-year-old rookie Connor Zilisch signed a multiyear contract to drive the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports beginning with the 2028 season. He will replace Alex Bowman, who announced last month that he will step away from full-time competition after the 2027 campaign.

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Zilisch is currently competing for Trackhouse Racing and sits 34th in the Cup Series points standings. Despite his low ranking, he logged a series-leading eight DNFs this season, underscoring both his speed and the reliability challenges he has encountered. The No. 48 Chevrolet has been sponsored by Ally since 2019, and that partnership will continue under the new agreement.

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Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick praised Zilisch’s “truly gifted” driving ability and highlighted his character, noting that the organization moves quickly when a talent of that caliber becomes available. Zilisch conveyed that joining Hendrick fulfills a lifelong ambition and offers a chance to uphold the team’s storied legacy.

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The signing positions Hendrick with a young, high-potential driver as Bowman departs, helping the team maintain a competitive roster for the post-Bowman era. Retaining Ally as the primary sponsor ensures financial stability and brand continuity for the No. 48 entry, which has become a recognizable fixture in the series.

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• “This is one of those moments you dream about as a kid,” — Connor Zilisch

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