Hendrick Motorsports will welcome 21‑year‑old Connor Zilisch into the No. 48 Cup car in 2028, marking the first driver change to the lineup since a 2021 adjustment.
2028: Connor Zilisch’s Entrance
Zilisch joins HMS at a time that mimics Chase Elliott’s entry, but he carries two seasons of Cup experience from another outfit. The family‑owned team has consistently protected its roster; departures only occur upon retirement, creating a rare sense of permanence for drivers who secure a seat.
HMS’s No. 48 has trailed the other entries in standings every year since 2019, including Jimmie Johnson’s final two seasons in the car. If Zilisch can lift the car out of that position, the move will be an instant success for the organization.
2021: Kyle Larson Takes the No. 48
Following Jimmie Johnson’s retirement, Kyle Larson stepped into the No. 48 after a two‑year suspension related to an off‑track incident. In his rookie year with HMS, Larson collected ten victories and secured the 2021 Cup championship, adding a second title in 2025.
Larson’s rookie season moved the iconic No. 5 back into circulation, while Alex Bowman vacated the No. 88 to join the 48. Larson’s tenure has produced 26 Cup wins, putting him second only to Henry and Johnson for careers with Hendrick.
2018: William Byron and Alex Bowman Replace Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kasey Kahne
Dale Earnhardt Jr. concluded his Cup career at the 2017 Homestead event. Apple’s experience from substituting for the veteran during a concussion contributed to Alex Bowman’s promotion to the 9‑car, filling the slot originally occupied by Earnhardt.
Wyatt’s replacement, William Byron, migrated from the No. 5 to the No. 24, while Bowman’s injuries—concussion, back strain, and vertigo—encumbered his trajectory. Byron finally broke through with back‑to‑back wins at Daytona in 2020, accumulating 16 Cup victories by the article’s writing.
2016: Chase Elliott Replaces Jeff Gordon
Jeff Gordon, the organization’s most triumphant driver, retired from full‑time racing in 2015 and became Vice Chairman. The 23‑year‑old Chase Elliott assumed the No. 9 role, initially winless during his first two seasons but later securing 23 Cup victories and the 2020 championship.
Historical Context: HMS’s Record‑Holding Legacy
Hendrick holds 15 Cup titles and 322 triumphs, establishing itself as a powerhouse in NASCAR history. As of the latest update, the 48 has remained the lowest‑ranked HMS entry since 2019, a trend that Zilisch will be expected to reverse.
Past driver movements by HMS include a 2012 swap of Kasey Kahne for Mark Martin, and earlier transitions that became more frequent throughout the 2000s. Each shift has been carefully catalyzed by retirements or strategic redeployments rather than performance deficits.
Expected Trajectory for Connor Zilisch
The 21‑year‑old arrives with a Cup background that should ease his adaptation to HMS’s highly competitive environment. His heritage as a Red Bull‑backed driver parallels that of former teammate Kasey Kahne, who signed with HMS before the seat became available. With the support of the Hendrick leadership and four years of proven potential in the Cup series, Zilisch is positioned to evolve into a championship contender.
"