Connor Zilisch Shuts Down Early Hendrick Move Rumors
Social media rumors had Connor Zilisch moving to Hendrick Motorsports a year early. The Trackhouse rookie said his plans for 2027 and 2028 have not changed.
Connor Zilisch firmly denied rumors of an early departure to Hendrick Motorsports. The Trackhouse Racing rookie addressed these unsubstantiated claims during an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Friday. The speculation about a 2027 move originated with Brad Keselowski, who has not announced his plans beyond his current season with RFK Racing.
Following an unsatisfying performance at Charlotte, RFK Racing acknowledged they were not a top-tier team. On Denny Hamlin's podcast, "Actions Detrimental," Hamlin suggested Keselowski might move to a "tier one" Chevrolet team, with Trackhouse Racing and Richard Childress Racing as potential destinations. MotorBiscuit reported on Hamlin's theory earlier this week, noting Hamlin's odds for Keselowski landing a Cup ride had decreased from +250 to +140.
Hamlin emphasized these were merely assumptions and had no basis in fact. Various social media accounts expanded on the theory, speculating Zilisch could join Hendrick a year early, while Keselowski would replace him in Trackhouse's No. 88. However, Hendrick Motorsports confirmed in August that Zilisch would drive their No. 48 Chevrolet starting in 2028.
Bowman, currently driving for Hendrick, is set to retire following the 2027 season, leaving Zilisch to complete one more season with Trackhouse before joining Hendrick the following year. When asked about his 2027 status, Zilisch confirmed his plans had not changed. He reiterated that Hendrick's timeline remains unchanged, and he does not give the rumors any credence.
The 20-year-old driver, currently in his first full Cup Series season, drives the No. 88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse.
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