Could Hendrick Motorsports have their eyes on Connor Zilisch? The teenage NASCAR driver is seen as the future of the sport, but has built his early career with Trackhouse Racing. With questions swirling around Alex Bowman's future at HMS, rumors are swirling about his replacement.
Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic dropped a new silly season breakdown. We are nearing the time of the year when free agency kicks off in NASCAR, drivers are signed, let go, and the next season starts to take shape.
According to Bianchi, Bowman's future is uncertain. Hendrick has multiple options for the 2027 season. That includes, Bianchi says, Corey Day, Connor Zilisch, Alex Bowman returning, or possibly an unforeseen replacement.
Alex Bowman (#48 Hendrick Motorsports Ally Chevrolet) waves to the crowd prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500.Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
"The other name [besides Corey Day] that has been much speculated about and much linked to the 48 is Connor Zilisch," Bianchi said on Dirty Mo Overdrive. "That may seem a surprise because Connor Zilisch is under contract with Trackhouse Racing, and if Hendrick Motorsports were to try to get Connor Zilisch out of his contract, it would necessitate a big buyout. It would cost a lot of money to do that. We don't know right now if that's a feasible option or not. But I have been told by sources that Connor Zilisch is probably available for 2028. Which means, one option that Hendrick Motorsports could do is find a driver for 2027 for the 48 car."
So, how serious is this rumor at the moment? Well, Bianchi hit the brakes just a little bit before moving on. If Zilisch isn't availble until 2028, that could mean a quick fix. Then again, can Hendrick afford to pass up on Day, a driver they believe in, in order to chase Zilisch who might end up staying at Trackhouse?
"A lot of conjecture, a lot of speculation, not a lot of cold facts right now, but that's what people are talking about when it comes to Hendrick Motorsports team," Bianchi continued.
The NASCAR Cup Series is going to look very different in two years. By 2028, Denny Hamlin will be retired from full-time racing, Hendrick will have their driver of the future in the 48 car, and who knows what other changes we will see happen throughout the series.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Racing section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
