“Moments You Dream About as a Kid!” Connor Zilisch Set to Replace Alex Bowman at HMS in 2027
The rumors mill over Connor Zilisch future has ended as he signed a deal with HMS To drive the No:48 car from the 2027 season.
Alex Bowman and Connor Zilisch (Via IMAGO and @ConnorZilisch/Facebook)
Hendrick Motorsports has finally put an end to all the rumors surrounding Trackhouse Racing’s Connor Zilsich. The youngster has signed a multi-year contract with HMS to drive the No:48 Chevy after the end of 2027 season. He will replace veteran Alex Bowman after running out his current contract with Trackhouse.
The door opened for a potential move after Bowman announced his plans to retire after the 2027 season last month. The youngster sees this as a childhood dreams come true moment and he is ready to expand the legacy of HMS as well as the Ni:48 Chevy team, that has won seven titles and 83 races with Jimmie Johnson.
This is one of those moments you dream about as a kid. Hendrick Motorsports has always represented the standard in our sport, and being entrusted to help continue that legacy means everything to me.
Connor Zilisch said about the new deal.
Further talking about the shocking move, Connor Zilsich admitted that driving the Ally Chevy for Rick Hnedrick was an opportunity he couldn’t say no to and he is determined to prove Mr. H invested in the right driver, considering Corey Day was waiting on the wings. A Good performance in 2027 with Trackhouse after the difficult 2026 rookie season would be key for the racer.
The chance to drive a Chevrolet for Mr. Hendrick, carry the colors of an incredible partner like Ally and compete alongside some of the best drivers and people in racing is what you work so hard for. I’m grateful for the confidence they’ve shown in me, and it’s my job to prove they made the right decision.
Connor Zilisch added via a statement.
Rick Hendrick responds to Connor Zilisch signing
NASCAR’s most successful team owner Rick Hendrick was beyond excited about the new signing and showed his love for the racer via his public statement. He asserted how he was impressed with both Zilisch the racer as well as Zilisch the person.

Connor is a truly gifted young racer. His talent behind the wheel is exceptional, but I’m even more impressed by the person he is.
Rick Hendrick said.
The Hall of Famer highlighted how he did everything possible to secure the signing of the youngster when the opportunity to sign him opened. He has high confidence Zilisch will become the difference maker No:48 team needs to get back to fighting for the championship.
When someone with that kind of ability and character becomes available, you do everything you can to bring them into your organization. We have tremendous confidence in Connor, and we believe he’s the right driver to build on the legacy of the No. 48 Ally team for many years to come.
Rick Hendrick added.
The comments from the veteran are on point and shows how highly the whole garage rates the youngster despite having a below par rookie season. It’s a massive loss for Trackhouse Racing, who now have to sign a real market moving talent to replace him.
Justin P Joy
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