Justin Marks says Connor Zilisch's move to Hendrick Motorsports wasn't unexpected

When the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season ends, so too will the short-lived partnership between Connor Zilisch and Trackhouse Racing. 

Zilisch will leave Trackhouse for Hendrick Motorsports in 2028, heading to what will undoubtedly be greener pastures. According to Trackhouse owner Justin Marks, the 20-year-old leaving the Trackhouse stable was far from a shock. 

Justin Marks wasn't surprised by Connor Zilisch's announcement

"It's not really totally unexpected," Marks said Monday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. "Every time these contracts come up, people are always looking for opportunities. They want to be in the best place for their career. In my opinion, any young driver that is trying to make a career in NASCAR, when that driver gets a call from Rick Hendrick, that is not a light moment. 

"That's not a moment where you say no thanks. You listen to those calls. So, I'm happy for Connor. I really am. He's a great kid, that's why we invested so much money and time in him and gave him an opportunity at Trackhouse. And we have another year-and-a-half to keep working hard together."

Marks went on to say that he's viewing Zilisch's impending departure from his race team as an opportunity rather than a setback. 

That's a healthy mindset to have, but one that will be hard to maintain should Zilisch immediately produce results at HMS.