Trackhouse Racing has announced that Randall Burnett will serve as Connor Zilisch’s crew chief for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, marking a crucial step in the young driver’s career as he moves into a full-time Cup ride. This pairing connects one of the sport’s most promising talents, Zilisch, with Burnett, an experienced engineer and crew chief known for his technical expertise and championship success.
Background and Expertise of Randall Burnett
Randall Burnett brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having started in NASCAR as a race engineer for Chip Ganassi Racing. Over roughly ten years, he specialized in data acquisition, lead race engineering, and 7-post analysis, grounding his work in detailed technical knowledge valued in the garage. His transition from engineer to crew chief gained attention in the Xfinity Series, where he led Tyler Reddick to six wins and the 2019 championship.
Following that triumph, Burnett moved with Reddick into the Cup Series, helping build a playoff-qualifying team in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, Burnett took on the crew chief role for Kyle Busch’s No. 8 Chevrolet at Richard Childress Racing, where their partnership yielded three victories, 15 top-five finishes, and 27 top-10 placements over 72 races. Despite flashes of success, the last seasons have been challenging due to inconsistent results and technical difficulties at short tracks, sparking questions about the team’s direction.
Burnett holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from UNC Charlotte and resides in Huntersville, North Carolina, with his wife Deanna and their sons, Waylon and Tatum.
Connor Zilisch’s Career Momentum and Official Partnership with Burnett
Connor Zilisch’s rapid development has drawn considerable attention. Joining Trackhouse Racing’s development program in early 2024, he notched ten wins in 30 Xfinity starts for JR Motorsports and impressed during three Cup Series appearances this season driving the No. 87 car. Earlier this year, Trackhouse announced Zilisch would take over from Daniel Suárez in the Cup Series next season, and they have now confirmed Randall Burnett as his crew chief.
“Stoked to welcome Randall to the team! Can’t wait for next year.”
– Connor Zilisch, NASCAR driver
Trackhouse’s decision to bring in Burnett emphasizes their commitment to providing Zilisch with a strong support system as he adjusts to the demands of Cup racing. Burnett’s engineering background will be invaluable in fine-tuning car setups, refining pit strategies, and managing on-track traffic, all critical components for success in the top NASCAR division.
Strategic Goals for Zilisch’s Rookie Cup Season
Trackhouse Racing already fields competitive entries through drivers Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen, making the addition of Burnett a strategic move to ensure Zilisch’s No. 99/87 program starts on solid footing. The team aims to avoid the inconsistent performance that Burnett encountered recently at Richard Childress Racing, focusing instead on steady competitiveness and learning.
By pairing a quickly rising teenager with a seasoned, technically savvy crew chief, Trackhouse seeks to accelerate Zilisch’s adaptation to Cup racing without the typical rookie struggles. This approach reflects a clear intent for Zilisch to contend from the outset, not merely to gain experience over time.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of the New Crew Chief on Zilisch’s Career
Randall Burnett’s appointment as Connor Zilisch’s crew chief signals a significant investment in the driver’s future at the highest level of NASCAR. His proven technical skills, championship pedigree, and race experience are expected to help Zilisch navigate the intense competition of the Cup Series. As Zilisch prepares for his first full-time Cup season, the collaboration with Burnett could be a defining factor in shaping his success and longevity in the sport.
With the 2026 season on the horizon, all eyes will be on how this partnership translates on race day, potentially elevating both driver and team performance in the fiercely competitive NASCAR Cup landscape.
Stoked to welcome Randall to the team! Can’t wait for next year. https://t.co/zJdDlyIIEQ
— Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) September 23, 2025
