Following Alex Bowman’s announcement that he will retire after the 2027 season, both Sports Business Journal and The Athletic report Connor Zilisch is Hendrick Motorsports’ top target to replace him beginning in 2028.
The team is understood to have Trackhouse Racing driver Connor Zilisch at the top of its wish list for 2028 to replace Bowman, according to people familiar with the matter, and there had been heavy industry chatter in recent months about whether HMS would try to negotiate a deal with Trackhouse to get Zilisch in for 2027. The Athletic and Fox Sports had previously reported Hendrick’s interest in Zilisch.
In replacing Bowman for 2028, HMS could also pursue the rising Corey Day, who already has a relationship with the team.
Instead, there is just one name Hendrick is focusing on: Connor Zilisch, the just-turned 20-year-old in his rookie season with Trackhouse Racing and who, despite a rocky first year in Cup, has many within the garage believing he possesses the kind of talent that one day will see him holding the Cup championship trophy.
This pursuit of Zilisch by Hendrick has already begun in earnest, according to multiple industry sources familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak publicly, including a recent meeting between Hendrick and Trackhouse regarding Zilisch’s availability. Nothing is known to be signed, and Zilisch is to remain with Trackhouse in 2027 to fulfill the final year of his contract, but talks between all three parties are ongoing. The expectation is that the sides will reach a deal for Zilisch to drive for Hendrick in 2028. Some of those sources even consider it a “lock.”
— The Athletic —