Trackhouse Racing has appointed Randall Burnett as the new crew chief for rising star Connor Zilisch, who is set to make his full-time debut in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026. Burnett’s move comes as he departs Richard Childress Racing (RCR), where he has been a crew chief for Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Chevrolet since the 2020 season. This transition marks a significant shift in both Burnett’s career and Zilisch’s burgeoning path in professional racing.
During his tenure at RCR, Burnett achieved considerable success, securing four victories with Tyler Reddick and three with Busch. Despite this success, the pairing of Busch and Burnett has faced challenges over the past two years, resulting in a winless season and a failure to qualify for the playoffs. The decision to join Trackhouse Racing presents Burnett with a new opportunity to guide Zilisch, a 19-year-old driver who has already made waves in the racing world.
Zilisch has enjoyed an impressive 2023 season, claiming nine victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He is on track to potentially equal the single-season win record held by Busch in this series. The young driver, who has made three Cup starts this year with a top finish of 11th at Atlanta, will replace Daniel Suarez at Trackhouse, teaming up with Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen.
The appointment of Burnett as Zilisch’s crew chief is a strategic move for Trackhouse Racing, aiming to blend Burnett’s experience with Zilisch’s youthful talent. As the team prepares for the upcoming seasons, their collaboration will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. RCR has not yet announced a replacement for Burnett in the No. 8 pit box, leaving questions about the future direction of the team.
As the NASCAR landscape continues to evolve, both Burnett and Zilisch represent the dynamic shifts occurring within the sport. With Zilisch’s ambitions and Burnett’s proven track record, their partnership could yield significant results in the competitive arena of NASCAR racing.
