Trackhouse Racing Team have announced Randall Burnett as the new crew chief for rising star Connor Zilisch, who will move up to Cup as a full-time driver in 2026.
Burnett will leave behind Richard Childress Racing, where he currently works as a crew chief for Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Chevrolet. Burnett has been with RCR since the 2020 season, winning four races with Tyler Reddick and three with Busch. He previously worked at JTG Daugherty Racing (now Hyak) with A.J. Allmendinger.
However, the pairing of Busch/Burnett have struggled over the last two years, remaining winless and missing the playoffs. He now goes from the winningest active driver in the sport to a 19-year-old phenom trying to make his mark.
Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Photo by: Chris Graythen – Getty Images
Zilisch is 19 years old, but he’s already enjoyed tremendous success behind the wheel. Just this year, he’s won nine races and could match the season win record for the NASCAR Xfinity Series, which is held by Busch.
In 2026, Zilisch will replace Daniel Suarez at Trackhouse, competing as a teammate to Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen.
Zilisch made three Cup starts earlier this year, finishing as high as 11th at Atlanta.
RCR has not yet announced Burnett’s replacement atop the No. 8 pit box.
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