On Monday morning, in the year 2026, Hendrick Motorsports have announced that they have signed Connor Zilisch to drive for their organization beginning with the 2028 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Zilisch will become a free agent after his 2027 season with Trackhouse, and then make the move to the storied powerhouse organization on a multi-year deal.

Alex Bowman will drive the No. 48 for the remainder of 2026 and 2027 as previously announced, retiring and then handing the reigns to one of NASCAR’s hottest prospects ever.

In his rookie year so far, Zilisch and Trackhouse both have struggled, but have recently found pace with back-to-back top 10 qualifying efforts at Iowa and Richmond.

The Justin Marks-owned program will now search for a third driver for the 2028 season, while hopefully retaining Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen.

As for Hendrick, they move forward with again yet another stout four-driver lineup for the future.

Longtime No. 48 sponsor Ally will stay with the organization and be with Zilisch on his new journey.