Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Trackhouse Hires Randall Burnett to Lead Connor Zilisch’s 2026 Cup Rookie Campaign

The veteran departs RCR’s No. 8 after a prolonged winless run to guide the 19-year-old Xfinity star into his first full Cup season.

Image
#8: Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing, Lucas Oil Chevrolet, #8: Randall Burnett, Richard Childress Racing, Chevrolet

Overview

  • Trackhouse announced Randall Burnett will serve as crew chief for Connor Zilisch when the prospect moves to a full-time NASCAR Cup Series seat in 2026.
  • Burnett leaves Richard Childress Racing after helming the No. 8 since 2020, a stint that included a 2019 Xfinity title with Tyler Reddick and multiple Cup wins.
  • The Busch–Burnett pairing has recently struggled, with Busch on an 87-race winless drought as reported, and RCR has not yet named a new crew chief for the No. 8.
  • Zilisch will replace Daniel Suárez at Trackhouse in 2026 to form a three-car lineup with Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen.
  • The teenager’s promotion follows a breakout Xfinity season featuring nine wins and a long top-five streak, plus three Cup starts earlier this year with a best finish of 11th at Atlanta.