Zilisch Takes Over No. 48
Hendrick Motorsports Names Connor Zilisch No. 48 Driver for 2028, Replaces Retiring Alex Bowman
Key Points
Rick Hendrick called Zilisch 'a truly gifted young racer' and said he's 'even more impressed by the person he is,' emphasizing the combination of talent and character HMS seeks in the No. 48 program.
Alex Bowman has struggled with health issues, including vertigo that caused him to miss four races in 2026, along with a history of concussions and a back injury that have affected his Cup Series participation.
Zilisch’s broader racing résumé includes a Watkins Glen Cup debut win in 2024 and five ARCA wins in just nine ARCA starts, highlighting his proven success across multiple series before the Cup transition.
Ally has historically served as the No. 48 sponsor and is slated to continue as the full-season sponsor for 2028, sustaining the multi-year commitment that supports HMS’s flagship program.
Hendrick Motorsports has locked up its next star. Connor Zilisch, 20, will drive the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet starting in 2028 under a multi-year deal, TSN reported. He will replace Alex Bowman, who plans to retire after the 2027 season.
The move pairs one of NASCAR's hottest young talents with one of its most celebrated programs. Zilisch racked up 10 wins in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2025 alone and has 13 total wins in the series, according to WRAL. He is currently finishing out a contract with Trackhouse Racing through 2027, where he drives the No. 88.
Rick Hendrick Bets Big on Zilisch's Character and Speed
Team owner Rick Hendrick did not hold back in his praise. He called Zilisch "a truly gifted young racer" and said he is "even more impressed by the person he is." That combination of talent and character, Hendrick said, is exactly what the No. 48 program demands.
Ally Financial will stay on as the full-season sponsor in 2028, keeping a partnership that has defined the No. 48 car for years. Newsday noted the deal gives Hendrick a stable financial foundation as it plans this generational transition.
Bowman's Health Struggles Accelerated the Transition Plan
Alex Bowman's exit was not a surprise. He has battled vertigo, a history of concussions, and a back injury over the past two seasons. The vertigo alone caused him to miss four races in 2026, according to TSN. Bowman decided to retire after 2027 rather than push through more health uncertainty.
The No. 48 has a championship legacy to protect. It was the car Jimmie Johnson drove to seven Cup titles. Hendrick is betting Zilisch can honor that history and add to it.
Zilisch's Résumé Is Loaded for a 20-Year-Old
Zilisch has won fast and won often. He scored five wins in just nine ARCA starts before moving up. In 2024, he won his Cup debut at Watkins Glen, making him an instant sensation. His 13 total O'Reilly Auto Parts Series wins show he is no one-hit wonder, according to WRAL.
His current rookie Cup season has not been perfect. He has one top-10 finish and multiple DNFs in 2026, showing the learning curve is real. But uk.headtopics.com noted that Hendrick signed him to a three-year deal anyway, signaling deep confidence in his long-term upside.
Zilisch Stays at Trackhouse Until 2028 Handoff Arrives
Zilisch will not jump to HMS right away. He is under contract with Trackhouse Racing through 2027 and will keep driving the No. 88 there. The 2028 season is when the handoff happens, giving him two more years to sharpen his Cup skills, according to Tennessean.
That runway could prove valuable. Zilisch will enter the No. 48 with full Cup experience rather than stepping in cold. For Hendrick, waiting two years for the right driver — rather than rushing a replacement — looks like a calculated, long-term play.
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