The Trackhouse Racing Team has revealed that Randall Burnett will become the crew chief for 19-year-old Connor Zilisch as he steps up to the NASCAR Cup Series full-time in 2026. Burnett’s move follows a lengthy tenure at Richard Childress Racing (RCR), where he served as the crew chief for Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Chevrolet.
Burnett’s Career Shift from RCR to Trackhouse
Burnett, who joined RCR in 2020, has accumulated seven race wins during his time there—four with Tyler Reddick and three with Busch. Before RCR, he worked alongside A.J. Allmendinger at JTG Daugherty Racing, now called Hyak. Despite their past successes, the Busch/Burnett duo has faced a challenging two years, failing to secure wins or playoff appearances.
Now, Burnett will transition from working with the winningest active driver in NASCAR to partnering with Zilisch, a promising young driver aiming to establish himself at the highest level.
Connor Zilisch’s Emerging Talent and Upcoming Role
Zilisch has made a strong impression during his early career, winning nine races this year alone and closing in on matching Busch’s NASCAR Xfinity Series single-season win record. In 2026, Zilisch will replace Daniel Suarez as a Trackhouse driver, joining teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen in the Cup Series lineup.
Earlier this season, Zilisch made three Cup starts and achieved an 11th-place finish at Atlanta, highlighting his potential as he prepares for a full-time schedule.
Uncertainty Surrounds Burnett’s Successor at RCR
Richard Childress Racing has not yet announced who will take over as crew chief for the No. 8 Chevrolet after Burnett’s departure. The team will need to find a capable replacement following a period marked by struggles for the Busch/Burnett partnership.
Trackhouse’s Strategic Move Ahead of 2026 Season
By securing Randall Burnett, Trackhouse Racing aims to support Zilisch’s development as a top competitor in the Cup Series, blending experience with youth. This change signals the team’s commitment to strengthening their driver lineup and making an impact in future NASCAR seasons.
