Trackhouse’ Justin Marks Breaks Silence on “Bittersweet” Connor Zilisch to HMS Announcement

Connor Zilisch has ended all of the rumors surrounding his NASCAR Cup racing future, as he has signed a new deal that would seen him replace Alex Bowman at HMS at the end if 2027, while running out his Trackhouse contract. It’s a disappointing news for the youngster’s current team owner Justin Mars.

He talked about the move via a statement and called it bittersweet. The owner driver is happy and excited for the youngster as he got the opportunity to complete his childhood dream, But at the same time he is heartbroken considering he invested millions in the drivers from his development days because they had a long-terms plan/

It’s a bittersweet moment for Trackhouse, but I am truly happy for Connor to get an opportunity that many drivers only dream of. While our goal was always to have him in our cars for the long term, I’m still excited for the opportunity we have with him now and in 2027.

Justin Marks said recently.

Further talking about the point, Justin Marks confirmed that Trackhouse Racing won’t stop working on the No:88 Chevy and declared that they would do everything possible to position Connor Zilisch among the contenders on race day. At the same time, they will start conversation with potential replacement options for 2028.

At Trackhouse, our mandate remains to work hard, accomplish big things with Connor while we have him, and position this 88 Chevy team to move into the 2028 NASCAR Cup season ready for a new, inspiring, and talented driver that will author the next chapter in this amazing book we are writing. But not yet.

Justin Marks added via a statement, via motorsport.com.

Justin Marks’ Trackhouse Racing is in a massive pickle over driver future

The 2027 season isn’t going to be easy for Marks, as all three of his drivers are running out of their contract. Recent rumors suggest that there are multiple teams that are looking into the Ross Chastain situation and are open to sign the Chevy driver who would be a championship contender in the right car.

My sources indicate to me that both drivers will have ample opportunity on the market should they go and explore their options, especially Chastain. There are several notable teams that I’ve been told that are interested in Ross Chastain, and he is a driver that teams identify as someone that they could bring in. And if they put the right team around him, he could go win and contend for a championship.

Jordan Bianchi said.

Shane van Gisbergen is also attracting attention of the garage with his improvement in oval racing. Many sees him as good investment considering road course wins are almost guaranteed and will attract sponsors. He is a solid sshort term investment for many teams.

As for SVG, we know about his ability on road courses… And as we have seen numerous times this year, you give him good enough cars and ovals, he’s going to finish somewhere in the top 15… That’s a lot of promising upside there. And that is why organizations are looking at SVG despite his age, as someone that they could put in a race car for a year or two, maybe three years and have success with him in the short term.

Jordan Bianchi added.

If Trackhouse loose more than one driver ahead of the 2027 season, the team would be in shambles as it is going to be extremely hard to find two solid racers with good enough sponsors backing them.  It would be interesting to see how the extension talks are going to playout for Trackhouse.

Also Read: “Moments You Dream About as a Kid!” Connor Zilisch Set to Replace Alex Bowman at HMS in 2027