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Trackhouse Racing Announces Major Team News During NASCAR Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samriddhi Jaiswal | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 2:52 AM ET

Trackhouse Racing has wasted no time in shaping the future of its Cup Series program, confirming on Tuesday that Randall Burnett will join the team as crew chief for Connor Zilisch beginning in 2026.

The move comes as Trackhouse prepares for Zilish’s full-time debut in NASCAR’s top division, adding another layer of intrigue to the already drama-filled playoff stretch.

Burnett, who currently serves as crew chief for Kyle Busch’s No. 8 Chevrolet at Richard Childress Racing, brings a deep resume to the Justin Marks-founded organization. Since taking on the role in 2017, he has collected six victories in both the Cup Series and Xfinity Series, while also playing a crucial role in championship success.

Burnett’s Proven Track Record

Burnett’s career includes stints at Chip Ganassi Racing and what is now Hyak Motorsports, where he cut his teeth as an engineer before stepping into the crew chief role.

His biggest early triumph came in the Xfinity Series, where he and Tyler Reddick won the 2019 championship with Richard Childress Racing. That partnership carried into the Cup Series in 2020, and when Reddick departed, Burnett transitioned seamlessly to work with Busch.

Across both stints, Burnett has guided his teams to six Cup Series victories, three with Reddick and three with Busch establishing a reputation for adaptability and consistency in NASCAR’s ever-changing landscape.

The Zilisch Factor

For Trackhouse, pairing Burnett with Zilisch represents a calculated step toward long-term success. At just 19, Zilisch is already making headlines in the Xfinity Series. Driving for JR Motorsports in his rookie season, he has surged to nine wins, including seven in the last nine races, and currently sits atop the Xfinity Playoffs standings.

There will be a familiar face atop @ConnorZilisch's pit box next season.

Randall Burnett will make the move to @TeamTrackhouse for the 2026 campaign.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 23, 2025

Zilisch’s meteoric rise has made him one of the most anticipated prospects in recent memory, and Trackhouse’s decision to surround him with an experienced crew chief underscores their commitment to build a competitive foundation for years to come.

What It Means for Trackhouse’s Future

By securing Burnett now, Trackhouse ensures Zilisch will not enter the Cup Series alone but with a proven strategist guiding him through the challenges of NASCAR’s toughest fields. The move also signals the team’s intent to grow into a perennial contender, blending young talent with veteran leadership.

With the playoffs unfolding and 2026 already on the horizon, the Burnett-Zilisch partnership sets the stage for one of the most intriguing driver-crew chief pairings in NASCAR’s next era.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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