CONCORD, N.C. — It's not very often that Hendrick Motorsports welcomes a new NASCAR Cup Series driver – but when they do, they welcome them in a big way.

The 15-time Cup Series championship-winning organization welcomed Connor Zilisch with the production value of William Byron and Alex Bowman's welcome for 2018, the eyes of the NASCAR world of Chase Elliott's welcome for 2016 and the outlet of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s welcome for 2008.

Flanked by team owner Rick Hendrick and vice chairman Jeff Gordon, Zilisch received the proper black vest and white shirt garb that signaled something rare: A change of scenery for NASCAR's foremost team.

Hendrick Motorsports has welcomed a new driver to the team in just four of the 17 seasons since the turn of the 2010s. In that time, they've won six championships and accumulated 134 wins.

However, just two of those wins have come in 2026 so far. Now 24 races in, Hendrick's teams sit sixth, eighth, 12th and 29th in the points standings -- compared to first, second, fifth and ninth at the same point last season.

"It has been a disappointing season for us. We're used to winning a lot more. We're working harder than we have ever before and we're seeing the progress with the new car," Rick Hendrick said.

The new Chevrolet body has hit Zilisch hardest as a rookie. As he tries to figure out the Cup cars on ovals and Trackhouse tries to figure out the new body, his No. 88 team ranks 35th of 36 full-time teams in one of the worst Cup rookie seasons in recent memory.

Days after Hendrick welcomed Zilisch to the team, it was revealed the rookie's current teammate -- Ross Chastain -- said he pulled the fire alarm internally at Trackhouse.

Zilisch said he started talking with teams "earlier in the year," starting with Hendrick Motorsports. 

"When that happened, the first thing that we did was reach out to Justin Marks and talked to him about 2028 and get the blessing to be able to sit down with Connor and start talking about that," Gordon said.

Both Gordon and Hendrick agreed on something else: Alex Bowman's decision would decide their action on Zilisch, especially with sponsor Ally's satisfaction with Bowman.

"We've done a program with Alex where he's referred people to the Ally brand. We've had almost over 600 new accounts open just in the short period of time that Alex has been referring people to open an account at Ally," noted Andrea Brimmer, chief marketing and PR officer of Ally. "I think Connor has all of the values. He's got all of the charm. He's got all the personality... I think he's perfect for the brand."

Both Brimmer and Hendrick appreciate Bowman and are excited for what Zilisch will do.

"I know who I want and when I see talent like Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and all of the drivers that have driven for me before. I think about Connor's age and what his ability is," Hendrick said. "When Alex made his decision, I've had my eye on Connor... If you can align with someone with the talent this young man has, the future is pretty bright.”

Although Hendrick will have to wait until 2028 to get the young gun, he respects that Zilisch is still a Trackhouse driver and see it as a way for everyone to get better.

"The tide rides better when we're all together so we got the door open to help in any way to get better. We respect the fact that Connor races for him... It's to our advantage to help Trackhouse do as best as they can," Hendrick said.

Zilisch's journey to the Cup Series came by way of sports car racing. In 2024, he won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in the LMP2 class – at just age 17. 

Whether he will get to do the 24 Hours of LeMans someday is unknown. NASCAR's off-weeks fluctuate and often don't align with the famed race. While Hendrick Motorsports recently fielded a Garage 56 entry with fanfare, Hendrick wants Zilisch to lock in.

"We need him to be a champion in NASCAR. Then we can see what avenues present themselves," Hendrick said.

It isn't off the table, however.

 "If it fits in their schedule and makes them a better, more prepared driver, Rick has been open to it," Gordon said. 

Zilisch comes to Hendrick with existing sponsorship from Red Bull. However, competitor Phorm Energy is currently signed as a Hendrick partner.

"We respect that Connor has been a longtime Red Bull athlete... he'll continue to represent them at Trackhouse. We'll continue to represent Phorm Energy. We've got some time, you know, to see what the future holds. But we're going to respect those agreements and those organizations simultaneously. Right now, we plan to completely stand behind Phorm Energy," Gordon said. They've been a great partner of ours and we hope that that happens for a long time to come.”

The future of fellow Hendrick young gun, Corey Day, is a little more known. Hendrick confirmed he'll be back in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2027.

“Corey Day is a tremendous talent and our plan is for him to be in our future for a long time," Hendrick said. "People don't realize he's only been on pavement about half a year, so it's going to be good to watch him grow. We have plans for him that go well beyond the next couple of years, so when the time is right, he'll move up. But for now, he's still learning."