The final major domino in the 2026 NASCAR silly season fell this week before the Brickyard 400, with Alex Bowman announcing he’ll drive the No. 48 car for one final season in 2027. With that matter settled, focus now shifts to who will drive that car for Hendrick Motorsports in 2028 and beyond.
It originally seemed as though Corey Day, one of the top NASCAR prospects in 2026, would be Bowman’s long-term replacement. The 20-year-old has shown remarkable promise this season in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, winning two races and sitting fourth in points (689). However, with Bowman’s future decided, it seems someone else is being eyed for the No. 48 car.
Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic reported on Thursday that Hendrick is focused on Trackhouse Racing driver Connor Zilisch to replace Bowman beginning in the 2028 NASCAR Cup Series season.
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“This pursuit of Zilisch by Hendrick has already begun in earnest, according to multiple industry sources familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak publicly, including a recent meeting between Hendrick and Trackhouse regarding Zilisch’s availability. Nothing is known to be signed, and Zilisch is to remain with Trackhouse in 2027 to fulfill the final year of his contract, but talks between all three parties are ongoing. The expectation is that the sides will reach a deal for Zilisch to drive for Hendrick in 2028. Some of those sources even consider it a “lock.””
Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic on Connor Zilisch to Hendrick Motorsports
Zilisch, who turned 20 years old earlier this month, is widely regarded as a generational talent. As a teenager racing full-time in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for the 2025 season, he won 10 races with 1,013 laps led and 20 top-five finishes.
That earned him a full-time Cup Series ride in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, driving the No. 88 car. Zilisch will win Cup Series Rookie of the Year honors this season, but he’s the only driver eligible for it. It’s been a disastrous rookie campaign, as he currently ranks 34th in points with a single top-10 finish.
However, that’s largely been viewed as an indictment of Trackhouse Racing and the equipment it’s given its drivers this season. Zilisch is still viewed as someone fully capable of becoming one of the best NASCAR drivers in his prime, with talent that can truly be highlighted upon his arrival at Hendrick Motorsports in 2028.
What’s less clear is what this means for Day. Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Chase Elliott are all signed to long-term deals and provide Hendrick Motorsports with championship-caliber drivers. Once Zilisch is on board, Hendrick’s top prospect won’t have any path to joining the team for the foreseeable future.
It’s certainly possible that Day winds up with Trackhouse, taking the seat vacated by Zilisch’s move to the No. 48 car. That would give the team a young driver it could develop over time, while paying more to retain Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen for the 2028 season and beyond.
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