Connor Zilisch to replace Alex Bowman at Hendrick Motorsports beginning in 2028

CONCORD, N.C. — Hendrick Motorsports has signed Connor Zilisch to multi-year contract agreement to drive the Ally No. 48 beginning in 2028.

The current Trackhouse Racing driver will replace Alex Bowman once he retires from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition at the end of 2027.

Zilisch, 20, has been a highly touted prospect ever since he traded in his open fenders for closed ones.

Currently, his rookie campaign has been anything like his stellar his rookie season in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. From a ten win championship runners-up year to 34th in points has been a stark contrast for Zilisch.

But, the downwards performance he’s in will get a boost for what will be his third year in the top flight of NASCAR.

“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,” he added.

“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.”

“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.”

The announcement also acted as a contract extension with longtime sponsor Ally Financial.

The 2028 season will be the 10th for Ally Financial as the full-season primary sponsor of the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team. Zilisch is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, where Ally maintains a large corporate presence.

“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.”

MORE:

• NASCAR: Alex Bowman retiring from full-time racing after 2027