Marks happy for Zilisch and sees opportunities for Trackhouse going forwards

Justin Marks knows enough about how business works in the NASCAR world that Connor Zilisch leaving the market quickly was no surprise.

Zilisch was set to become a free agent after the 2027 season but has already signed with Hendrick Motorsports, filling a seat it will have open in 2028 after Alex Bowman retires.

“The fact that it was announced so early is problematic in some ways for us, but in the general context of things, it’s not totally unexpected,” Marks told 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 and, in my opinion, any young driver who is trying to make a career in NASCAR, when that driver gets a call from Rick Hendrick, that is not a light moment and that is not a moment where you say ‘No thanks.’

“You listen to those calls.”

The founder of Trackhouse Racing spoke glowingly of the driver he will have in his stable for one more year. Zilisch, 20, came to stock cars under Marks after becoming a top racing prospect setting the go-kart and sports car world on fire. But he will leave after what will be two seasons in the Cup Series and his first foray into free agency.

“I’m happy for Connor. I really am,” Marks said. “He’s a great kid; that’s why we invested so much time and money in him and gave him an opportunity with Trackhouse. The way that I look at it is sort of how I’m looking at life these days as a 45-year-old father, husband, is that, short of a tragic thing happening to your family, there is no such thing as a setback. There is no such thing as bad news. All they are are opportunities.”

Bowman announced on July 22 that he will retire after the 2027 season. That same day, Zilisch’s pursuit by Hendrick Motorsports was already out in the open.

“Sure, we wanted Connor to be with us for a long time, and he told us he’s going to do the Hendrick thing, and my initial gut reaction is, ‘Awesome. Awesome for you. That’s incredible for you,’” said Marks. “Also, that just means we get to close the chapter with Connor at the end of 2027 and begin writing a totally new one in a book that theoretically I hope everybody reads one day in the future.

“So, there are no setbacks. There are no headwinds. There are just opportunities, and at the end of the day, I’m really proud of the kid.”

Hendrick Motorsports and Zilisch were up front with Trackhouse Racing about working on a deal. The two organizations, along with Richard Childress Racing, are key partners of Chevrolet and have to work in unison for everyone's benefit. Zilisch signing early with another team does not affect anything from Marks’ perspective.

“Hendrick has been really great along the process,” Marks said. “They certainly communicated very openly with us; we knew they were working toward this. Connor was very honest with us that they were working toward this.”

The problematic aspect is making sure everyone around Zilisch stays committed to the cause for another year. A lame duck situation only comes from the emotional side of things to Marks, and the belief in the bigger picture of Trackhouse Racing should override that. There is as much motivation as ever given the objective of getting the team and the organization back into contender status.

And doing so will make the No. 88 an attractive seat for the next driver. The process will begin in earnest after the season ends, as the focus right now is on getting Shane van Gisbergen and Ross Chastain into the postseason.

“I think you’re always looking for sure,” Marks said. “We know what the board looks like. We know when drivers’ contracts are up at the end of ’27. We know who’s positioned to be a free agent. I think for other people, it has started right away. … We don’t really need the distraction or the noise right now.”

One thing is certain, though: Marks does not believe downsizing the organization by selling a charter is the right thing to do.

“We have three cars worth of awesome sponsors, and Chevrolet likes that we have three cars – I like that we have three cars,” Marks said. “I think downsizing the team probably sends the wrong message, and ultimately, at the end of the day, it’s a business. We have a lot of sponsors that want to grow with us, expand, renew, and I think taking 33% of the inventory away from the business for whatever reason- I don’t know what it would be- is just not really (in the plan).”