Connor Zilisch Reveals Why He Signed for HMS Despite Being “a Loyalty Guy”

Hendrick Motorsports surprised the NASCAR community this week by announcing the signing of Connor Zilisch to replace Alex Bowman for the 2028 season. He would run out his Trackhosue Racing contract at the end of 2027 and it’s a shocking decision considering Justin Marks’ team invested millions into the drivers since he joined them in a development deal.

It was a tough decision for the youngster to sign with HMS, despite the fact that he grew up dreaming of one day racing for the most dominant team in the sort history. This is because of the fact that he values loyalty a lot and the relationship he had with Trackhouse co-owner Marks was pretty unique.

Yeah, I mean I’ve definitely grown up, no matter where I was racing, I have always been a loyalty guy and Justin has done so much for me, not only on the track and with the opportunities he’s given me, but also being a friend of mine off the track, a team owner, and someone I can lean on and go to for anything.

Connor Zilisch told the media,

Despite the loyalty factor, he couldn’t say no to an offer coming from HMS, which might’ve been the last shot he would’ve had at HMS if he had refused. Connor Zilisch asserted that he appreciates the support from Justin Marks over the years and respect the owner/driver for the personality he is.

But at the end of the day, when Mr. Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports has an availability and possibility to drive for their NASCAR team, it’s very hard to say no to that. So, I’m very appreciative of Justin and everything he’s done for me. It’s an honor for me to get to race for him and get to know him as a person and a dad, and he has a great family.

Connor Zilisch added as reported by motorsport.com.

The young No:88 driver them shifted his focus to his 2027 season, as he has one more year left in his Trackhouse deal before joining HMS. He pointed out that he wands to end his chapter on a high note and is determined to produce a solid chase run, unlike his 2026 rookies season that was a clear disappointment.

I’m excited for the next year and a half with Trackhouse and excited to close that book on a high note and continue to work hard and chase wins with them.

Connor Zilisch asserted.

Justin Marks breaks silence on Connor Zilisch replacement plans

In a conversation with the media, Justin Marks has shared his thoughts the future after Zilisch. He highlighted how they have had multiple messages from legitimate drivers about an opportunity and asserted that they are not focused on it at the moment. Right now, they are invested in helping Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen to be in the chase. They don’t want to get distracted by any noise at the moment.

I think for other people, it has started right away.  I’ve gotten phone calls and texts already.  I think for other people, they want to know if that’s seats opened up or it’s been committed to yet. Internally, I think we have a lot of work to do at Trackhouse right now.  We have got to get the No. 1 in the playoffs; we’ve gotta keep the No. 97 in the playoffs. We’ve got a lot of stuff to focus on. We don’t really need the distraction or the noise right now.

Justin Marks said.

The team would make a decision on Zilsich replacement by the end of the 2027 season and before that they need to confirm contract extension from the other two drivers whose contracts are set to expire in a year. It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout for the star driver in the coming days.

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