Zilisch to Join Hendrick in 2028 as Trackhouse Faces Post-2027 Uncertainty

Key points

• Zilisch will leave Trackhouse Racing after the 2027 season to join Hendrick Motorsports in 2028.
• He will take over the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet, succeeding Alex Bowman who announced his retirement from full-time competition.
• Trackhouse founder Justin Marks described the departure as 'bittersweet' but expressed happiness for Zilisch's new opportunity.
• Zilisch is guaranteed 2026 Rookie of the Year honors despite ranking 34th in the Cup championship standings.
• The No. 48 car will retain Ally Financial as its primary sponsor for its 10th consecutive season.

Background

Zilisch joined Trackhouse in January 2024 and has been their only Cup Series home. He previously won 10 races in the NASCAR O'Reilly Series in 2025 while driving for JR Motorsports. His move to Hendrick follows the announced retirement of Alex Bowman, who will exit full-time racing after the 2027 season.

How outlets are covering it

Motorsport.com and FOX Sports highlighted Zilisch's current struggles, noting his 34th-place finish in the Cup standings and eight DNFs in 2026. In contrast, Jayski and NASCAR.com emphasized his past dominance, citing his 10 wins and regular season championship in the O'Reilly Series. Justin Marks of Trackhouse expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging the loss but supporting Zilisch's career progression, while Rick Hendrick praised Zilisch's character and talent as the ideal successor for the No. 48 legacy.

Why it matters

This transfer signals a major shift in NASCAR's competitive landscape, as a top-tier team like Hendrick secures a young, high-potential driver for the future. It also raises questions about Trackhouse's long-term stability, as both Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen have contracts expiring after 2027, and the fate of their third full-time seat remains uncertain.

What to watch

Trackhouse must determine the future of their third Cup Series seat for the 2028 season. Zilisch will continue racing for Trackhouse through 2027, with the goal of improving his performance before transitioning to Hendrick. The 2028 season will mark the 10th year of Ally Financial's sponsorship of the No. 48 team.