Justin Marks on Connor Zilisch’s Trackhouse future: ‘He’s a highly sought-after driver’
Trackhouse Racing driver Connor Zilisch has become a focal point of discussion within the garage as teams look toward the 2028 Cup Series season. Following the announcement of Alex Bowman’s planned retirement after 2027, rumors suggest that Zilisch is a primary candidate for a seat at Hendrick Motorsports. The 20-year-old has endured a difficult rookie campaign in the No. 88 Chevrolet, marked by multiple crashes and finishes outside the top 30 in his recent starts. Despite these struggles, his past success in the lower ranks keeps his market value high.
Justin Marks, owner of Trackhouse Racing, addressed the speculation during a recent radio appearance. Marks acknowledged the talent of his driver and confirmed that Zilisch is indeed a target for other organizations. However, Marks maintains that his current focus is not on 2028. Instead, the team is working to provide better equipment and experience for their rookie through the end of his current contract in 2027. The priority remains getting Zilisch comfortable in the car and finding a path to Victory Lane before long-term contract decisions become necessary.
Looking ahead, Marks recognizes the need for Trackhouse to demonstrate that it is the best home for the young driver. While he admits that other teams will likely initiate recruitment conversations early, he intends to keep the team’s energy on performance improvements for the remainder of the current agreement. If the team presents a competitive environment, Marks hopes to retain Zilisch long-term, though he acknowledges the nature of the sport means that drivers eventually make decisions based on the opportunities available to them.
Ultimately, the coming season is expected to be a significant test for the partnership. Zilisch now has the benefit of track experience, which should allow him to approach each race with a clearer understanding of the demands at the Cup level. The immediate goal for both parties is to stabilize his performance and move up the standings, allowing the business side of his future to settle naturally when the time is right.