Hendrick Motorsports might need a new driver for the No. 48 car during the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season. With Alex Bowman in a contract year, there is a possibility that he retires or Hendrick Motorsports decides to move forward without him. In fact, the organization has been linked to a shocking young NASCAR driver.
Connor Zilisch and Hendrick Motorsports have a mutual interest in each other, as reported by The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi. Zilisch currently drives the No. 88 car for Trackhouse Racing on a multi-year contract. If Hendrick Motorsports wanted to sign the 19-year-old driver for 2027, they would need to negotiate a buyout with Trackhouse Racing.
Bowman’s future in the No. 48 car is very uncertain, but Hendrick Motorsports has eyes on potential long-term replacements. Zilisch and NASCAR O’Reilly Series driver Corey Day seem to be the top two candidates. However, it all depends on what happens with Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports.
More: Hendrick Motorsports linked to rising NASCAR star for No. 48 in 2027
This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: Hendrick Motorsports shockingly linked to Connor Zilisch in 2026
