Trackhouse Racing announced that Randall Burnett will serve as Connor Zilisch’s crew chief in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, marking a significant career move for both Burnett and the promising young driver. This development positions Connor Zilisch NASCAR Cup Series ambitions for his rookie season, as he will be stepping into a key role on the team.
Randall Burnett’s Experience and Achievements
Randall Burnett brings a wealth of experience to Trackhouse Racing, having led the No. 8 car at Richard Childress Racing since 2020. During that time, he worked closely with Tyler Reddick as crew chief from 2020 through 2022, a partnership that saw them clinch the 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship. Most recently, Burnett has had a stint as crew chief for Kyle Busch, guiding him to two top-five finishes and eight top-10 results this season.
Connor Zilisch Preparing for Cup Series Debut
Connor Zilisch is set to begin his first full-time Cup Series run in 2026, replacing Daniel Suarez. While the official car number for Zilisch’s Cup Series entry has not yet been revealed, his transition to the sport’s highest level comes after a strong showing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In 2025, Zilisch has tallied nine wins, 16 top-five results, and 18 top-10 finishes while competing for JR Motorsports, making his move to NASCAR’s premier series a much-anticipated one.
Supporting Personnel and Community Ties
Among those contributing to the ongoing coverage of NASCAR developments is Logan Kendall, who joined the Frontstretch team as the Tuesday News Writer in 2025. Based in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Kendall is also an author, reflecting the range of professionals supporting NASCAR’s media landscape from various backgrounds and locations.
As Trackhouse Racing strengthens its team with proven talent like Randall Burnett and rising star Connor Zilisch, the partnership is set to bring new energy to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026. The combination of Burnett’s technical leadership and Zilisch’s competitive drive will be closely watched by fans and analysts eager to see how the team shapes the upcoming season.
