{
  "id": 1511967,
  "title": "Connor Zilisch signs with Hendrick Motorsports for 2028 in multi-year deal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/connor-zilisch-signs-with-hendrick-motorsports-for-2028-in-multi-year",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-17T16:15:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Motorsport.com",
    "slug": "motorsport-com",
    "url": "https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/connor-zilisch-signs-hendrick-motorsports-2028-nascar/10846891/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NASCAR rookie Connor Zilisch has secured his future with Hendrick Motorsports for the 2028 season, joining the most successful team in NASCAR history. Zilisch, who will replace Alex Bowman in the No. 48 Chevrolet, will be sponsored by Ally. Rick Hendrick, Hendrick Motorsports' owner, praised Zilisch's talent and character, stating that he is confident in the young driver's ability to build on the legacy of the No. 48 Ally team. The 20-year-old has achieved numerous wins in NASCAR, including 13 O'Reilly wins and a victory in his debut at Watkins Glen. Zilisch has also excelled outside of stock car racing, claiming class victories in prestigious IMSA races such as the Rolex 24 at Daytona and Sebring 12 Hours. Despite a challenging start to his full-time Cup season, Zilisch is learning his trade with the help of Hendrick Motorsports' resources. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to join the team and compete alongside the best drivers and people in the sport.",
  "summary": "NASCAR Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch has locked in his future at the top level of stock car racing, and that will take him to the most successful team in NASCAR history. In 2028, Zilisch will join Hendrick Motorsports, replacing Alex Bowman after he retires from full-time NASCAR competition. He will drive the No. 48 Chevrolet for HMS and Ally will serve as the full-season ... Keep reading",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Kyle Larson delivers honest verdict on Hendrick Motorsports’ championship readiness",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/kyle-larson-delivers-honest-verdict-on-hendrick-motorsports",
        "published": "2026-08-15T20:30:21.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Connor Zilisch to drive the No. 48 Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports beginning in 2028",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/connor-zilisch-to-drive-the-no-48-chevy-for-hendrick-motorsports-1520140",
        "published": "2026-08-17T16:56:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}