There’s only one name at the top of the list
This week, Alex Bowman announced that he is set to retire from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition following the 2027 season.
Alex Bowman announces plans to retire from full-time NASCAR ride
The No. 48 car at Hendrick Motorsports is one of the best rides in the sport. Who will fill the seat for the 2028 season?
Number one answer, Connor Zilisch.
20-year-old Zilisch is currently signed with Trackhouse Racing. He runs full-time via the No. 88 entry for the team in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Zilisch is currently in his second full-time NCS season. He’s run 24 Cup Series races to date and he’s collected one top-10 along the way.
Yet, he’s certainly a future superstar of the sport. The driver has won 13 O’Reilly Series races in just 45 starts.
Without a renewal, his current contract with Trackhouse will expire following the 2027 season. Additionally, both teams are in the Chevrolet pipeline.
Rumors are circulating that Hendrick Motorsports is looking to work out a deal with Trackhouse to acquire Zilisch for the 2028 season.
The Athletic as well as Fox Sports have already reported Hendrick’s interest in Zilisch.
Corey Day is another name on the list. Day is already on the HMS roster. He’s in his debut O’Reilly Series season and he’s collected two wins this year.
Bowman has won eight NASCAR Cup Series races. All of those have come with Hendrick Motorsports.
Hendrick Motorsports says the Alex Bowman injury is “very odd”
