“He’s Coveted for Everybody!” Justin Marks Breaks Silence on Connor Zilisch to Hendrick Motorsports Rumors

Trackhouse Racing’s Connor Zilisch is one of the most talented drivers in the Cup garage and his stock hasn’t fallen much after the poor rookie season in the elite division, compared to the standard he kept in the 10+ wins 2025 O’Riley Series season. Since he made a name for himself with Chevy in NASCAR, there has been rumors about him joining Hendrick Motorsports.

Now with Alex Bowman confirming retirement at the end of 2027, it has intensified making Justin Marks to speak out. Talking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, the Trackhouse Racing co-owner asserted that everyone wants their star driver, but at the moment they’ve mutual commitment guaranteed till the end of 2027 season.

He’s probably coveted for everybody. I mean, he’s a very talented driver. He’s a very smart young man. He’s got a big career in front of him. I think for us, we are committed to Connor. Connor’s committed to us through the end of 2027.

Justin Marks said via SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

👀 "2028 [. . .] is a little too far away I think for us to be spending a lot of bandwidth on at the moment."@TeamTrackhouse owner Justin Marks on the rumors about @ConnorZilisch's future after 2027.

Full Interview ➡️ https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/6Df51UmE2m

— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) July 28, 2026

They haven’t signed an extension past the 2027 season with Connor Zilisch, the owner driver Justin Marks confirmed that they are discussing it among the team’s leadership. They don’t think 2026 is the year to talk about it, as it is supposed to be the season that will help the youngster to really understand the Cup racing side.  

And 2028, although it’ll be here quickly, is a little too far away. I think for us to really be spending a lot of bandwidth on that at the moment, because what we’re trying to solve for right now is get him the experience, get him comfortable.

Justin Marks added.

The next season though is going to be significant, as the driver will be under pressure to deliver on the early promises while the team would need find ways to make their cars capable of winning championships to keep him. If they can do that, they will be able to sign an extension considering the fact that HMS might backout and sign Corey Day for No:48, if a new deal becomes too hard to make.

You know, I think 2027 can be a really big year for him and for us. Well, he’s got a whole year under his belt, and he can go to all these races for the second time or third or fourth time, and really kind of know what he’s up against. And I say all that to say that’s really where our mind is at right now. I think when it comes time to talk about the future, we’ll have that conversation with him, knowing that he’s a highly sought-after driver.

Justin Marks asserted.

Justin Marks admits there are some concerns about the Connor Zilisch’s future

Later in the same conversation, the veteran pointed out that they haven’t had any conversation about the future with the racer yet and admitted that they would have to talk sooner than later. They are ready to face the challenges if the youngster deicide to switch ship, but till then they won’t give up on their goals.

I say all that to say that’s really where our mind is at right now. I think when it comes time to talk about the future, we’ll have that conversation with him, knowing that he’s a highly sought-after driver… I think that those conversations around him probably want to start, you know, sooner rather than later. It’s our job to present ourselves as a place that he wants to be… If something different happens, then that’s the way it goes.

Justin Marks said.

The comments from Marks are on point and shows how much they value the racer. Zilisch though needs step up his racing and prove the hype around him is real, as his poor execution alongside the Trackhouse cars being slower has hurt them big time in 2026. It would be interesting to see how the future is going to playout for the youngster.

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