Connor Zilisch has signed a multi-year deal with Hendrick Motorsports cementing his place behind

Connor Zilisch has signed a multi-year deal with Hendrick Motorsports, cementing his place behind the wheel of the iconic No. 48 Chevrolet starting in 2028.

The news comes just weeks after Alex Bowman announced his retirement from full-time competition at the end of the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season, leaving Hendrick with a year to find the perfect replacement for one of the sport's most recognizable cars.

However, it appears Hendrick didn't need that much time – Zilisch has already been deemed the ideal candidate to take over the No. 48.

So, what led Hendrick Motorsports to make this decision so quickly? The answer lies in Zilisch's impressive resume, which boasts an array of accolades from karting to full-bodied racing.

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Zilisch started racing karts at just five years old and went on to win the FIA Karting Academy Trophy in 2020. He made his mark in full-bodied cars in 2021, taking home wins at the IMSA Rolex 24 At Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

His performance in NASCAR's O'Reilly Auto Parts Series was equally impressive, with a dominant 2025 season that included 10 wins, 18 consecutive top-five finishes, and the regular-season championship despite missing a race.

Despite struggling to replicate this form in his full-time Cup Series ride with Trackhouse Racing this year, Hendrick sees potential in Zilisch and is betting on him to carry the legacy of the No. 48 Ally team for years to come.