Report: Connor Zilisch expected to join Hendrick Motorsports, replacing Alex Bowman

The Alex Bowman announcement has sent a shock through the NASCAR world on Wednesday. It’s not that it wasn’t a possibility, but a one-year extension and then retirement from the sport at 33 years old is still jarring. Just as jarring is how quickly the Silly Season news has fired up in response and the name, Connor Zilisch. While the No. 48 car will be filled by Bowman for the NASCAR Cup Series 2027 season, the pieces are aligning already for the replacement for Bowman in the future at Hendrick Motorsports. ‘Some sources consider it a lock’ According to The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi, the leading candidate to replace Bowman is Connor Zilisch. Bianchi goes a step further and said it’s expected that Hendrick Motorsports will reach a deal with Zilisch and he will be in an HMS car in 2028. “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,” wrote Bianchi. “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.'” A dream match for Hendrick and Zilisch The No. 48 car has a storied history, and this, on paper, is a dream match for both parties. Trackhouse, outside of Shane van Gisbergen, has struggled this season. As has Hendrick Motorsports, but HMS does have two drivers in the top 10 in the Chase standings in Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. Zilisch in the car number that Jimmie Johnson drove to 7 NASCAR Cup Series titles? Putting the now-rookie in the seat of the premier Chevrolet team, the winningest organization in NASCAR history? According to Bianchi, it’s happening. “The domino effect is that Hendrick now has a spot open on its driver roster. Except, make no mistake, there really isn’t an opening. Zilisch is Hendrick’s target, and it shouldn’t be too long before it’s all made official.”