Connor Zilisch, as expected, will join Hendrick Motorsports in 2028.
The Charlotte, North Carolina-native will pilot the No. 48 Ally Financial Chevrolet Camaro in the NASCAR Cup Series on a multi-year contract with NASCAR’s winningest organization.
“Connor is a truly gifted young racer,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “His talent behind the wheel is exceptional, but I’m even more impressed by the person he is. When someone with that kind of ability and character becomes available, you do everything you can to bring them into your organization. We have tremendous confidence in Connor, and we believe he’s the right driver to build on the legacy of the No. 48 Ally team for many years to come.”
Zilisch burst onto the NASCAR National Series scene in 2024 with a dominant victory in his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut at Watkins Glen International in September, before moving to JR Motorsports full-time in 2024, where he produced a whopping 10 victories, eight poles, and the regular-season title.
“This is one of those moments you dream about as a kid,” Zilisch said. “Hendrick Motorsports has always represented the standard in our sport and being entrusted to help continue that legacy means everything to me. The chance to drive a Chevrolet for Mr. Hendrick, carry the colors of an incredible partner like Ally and compete alongside some of the best drivers and people in racing is what you work so hard for. I’m grateful for the confidence they’ve shown in me, and it’s my job to prove they made the right decision.”
In the meantime, Zilisch will continue to compete for Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet.
Zilisch’s tenure with Hendrick Motorsports and Ally Financial will begin during Ally’s 10th season of primary sponsorship with Hendrick Motorsports, a landmark that the brand will celebrate with a new driver aboard.
“We’ve spent nearly a decade investing in the No. 48’s storied legacy alongside Hendrick Motorsports, and handing the wheel to a driver of Connor’s caliber is such an incredible way to begin another historic chapter,” said Andrea Brimmer, chief marketing and public relations officer for Ally. “Connor is an unbelievable talent with the motivation to match, and he understands what it means to represent a brand and a fanbase that care deeply about this car. I’m thrilled to welcome him to the Ally Racing family and cannot wait to do great things together on and off the track.”
Zilisch won’t take the wheel of the No. 48 Chevrolet until the 2028 DAYTONA 500, 18 months from now.
“It’s a bittersweet moment for Trackhouse, but I am truly happy for Connor to get an opportunity that many drivers only dream of. While our goal was always to have him in our cars for the long term, I’m still excited for the opportunity we have with him now and in 2027,” said Justin Marks, owner of Trackhouse Racing.
“At Trackhouse, our mandate remains to work hard, accomplish big things with Connor while we have him, and position the No. 88 Chevy team to move into the 2028 NASCAR Cup Series season ready for a new, inspiring, and talented driver that will author the next chapter in this amazing book we are writing. But not yet.”
