One of the most talked-about seats going into the 2027 season has to be Alex Bowman’s at Hendrick Motorsports. The speculation regarding his future is mounting

Following a difficult start to the 2026 season, rumors suggest Trackhouse Racing star Connor Zilisch or Corey Day could replace him in the #48 seat for 2027. Bowman currently sits 34th in the championship after battling vertigo in March.

While giving a breakdown of the silly season on Dirty Mo Overdrive, Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic spoke about Bowman’s future with the team. "The other name [besides Corey Day] that has been much speculated about and much linked to the 48 is Connor Zilisch," he said.

"That may seem a surprise because Connor Zilisch is under contract with Trackhouse Racing, and if Hendrick Motorsports were to try to get Connor Zilisch out of his contract, it would necessitate a big buyout,” he added.

Connor Zilisch, who is second in the drivers' championship with 10 wins with JR Motorsports, last won the O’Reilly series.

However, Bianchi revealed that, "Connor Zilisch is probably available for 2028." In that case, Bianchi feels that HMS could consider going for a driver for 2027. And Corey Day can be that option for them.

Will Corey Day Join Hendrick Motorsports?

With Connor Zilisch rumored to be in the running for the HMS seat, Day is emerging as a contender as well.

So far, Day seems to be clear of Zilisch as he currently stands in 5th place in the NOAPS. 

While talking about who will replace Bowman at HMS on the Door, Bumper, Clear podcast, Freddie Kraft said, “ I would have thought Corey Day was a year away from getting in the 48 car or at least getting a chance to get in the 48 car."

"I think that there are some serious conversations about whether he might get in that car next year now.”  

Corey Day recently visited the victory lane at Talladega. He currently has nine top 10s and four top 5s this season. 

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Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Koushik Biswas