NASCAR
Connor Zilisch to Take Over Ally No. 48 Chevrolet at Hendrick Motorsports in 2028
CONCORD, N.C. – Announced today, Hendrick Motorsports has signed Connor Zilisch to drive the iconic No. 48 Chevrolet. This pairing will begin in the 2028 NASCAR Cup Series season. NASCAR’s all-time winningest team and the hotshot racing prodigy have come to terms on a multi-year deal to take over the Ally ride. This move comes following the retirement of Alex Bowman.
Hendrick Motorsports have won a record 15 Cup championships, with seven of these titles coming from the No. 48. Zilisch, 20, from Charlotte, North Carolina, will be the next man up to continue the legacy for one of NASCAR’s most iconic numbers.
“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 has only been a NASCAR talent since 2024, when he won his O’Reilly Series debut race at Watkins Glen. 2025 saw him race full-time on Saturdays with JR Motorsports, winning 10 times and being championship runner-up. 2026 has seen Zilisch move up to the NASCAR Cup Series as a rookie with Trackhouse Racing. Currently in the No. 88 Chevrolet, Zilisch has seen a performance downturn this year. The Rookie of the Year candidate is now 34th in points with only one top-10 on the season.
“This is one of those moments you dream about as a kid,” Zilisch said. “Hendrick Motorsports has always represented the standard in our sport. 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.”
2028 will also mark Ally Financial’s 10th year of partnership with Hendrick. The Charlotte-based bank has been the primary sponsor on the famed No. 48 across Jimmie Johnson, Alex Bowman, and now Connor Zilisch in this seat.
“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. 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.”
For the time being, Zilisch will remain at Trackhouse Racing in the No. 88 until 2028 arrives. Following a largely forgettable rookie season so far, the No. 88 eyes a second half turnaround in 2026.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Hendrick Motorsports
