The Hendrick Motorsports veteran has signed a one-year contract extension before closing one of NASCAR’s most consistent careers.
One of NASCAR’s most recognizable drivers is preparing for the final chapter of his full-time career.
Alex Bowman announced that he will retire from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition following the 2027 season, after signing a one-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports that will keep him behind the wheel of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet through next year.
The 2027 campaign will mark Bowman’s 10th full season with Hendrick Motorsports and is expected to include his 400th career NASCAR Cup Series start, bringing an end to a career that featured victories, playoff appearances, and remarkable perseverance through adversity.
A Decade with Hendrick Motorsports
Since joining Hendrick Motorsports full-time in 2018, Bowman has become one of the organization’s most dependable drivers.
Over his nine seasons with the team, the Tucson, Arizona native has earned eight NASCAR Cup Series victories, including his most recent win at the 2024 Chicago Street Race, while qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs seven times.
Before becoming the full-time driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet, Bowman also stepped into one of NASCAR’s biggest roles by replacing the injured Dale Earnhardt Jr. for 10 races during the 2016 season before serving as Hendrick Motorsports’ primary simulator driver in 2017.
“The Right Decision”
Bowman said the decision came after carefully thinking about his future and listening to both his mind and body.
“I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what’s next, and this feels like the right decision at the right time,” Bowman said.
“The sport asks a lot of you, and I’ve learned it’s important to listen to your body and make the right choices for yourself.”
The 33-year-old has faced several physical challenges throughout his career. Injuries forced him to miss races in previous seasons, and earlier this year he sat out four NASCAR Cup Series events while recovering from vertigo symptoms.
Despite those setbacks, Bowman says his focus remains on finishing strong.
“My focus now is on making the most of my time on the racetrack and competing for wins. We still have a lot to accomplish, and I want to close my career on a high note.”
Hendrick Motorsports Praises Bowman’s Legacy
Team owner Rick Hendrick called Bowman an important part of the organization’s success over the last decade.
“Alex has meant so much to our organization for a long time,” Hendrick said.
“He’s overcome adversity, won big races, and represented our team and partners with professionalism, personality, and class. We’re proud he’ll have the opportunity to finish his full-time career with us on his terms.”
One Final Season Ahead
Although retirement is now on the horizon, Bowman still has two full seasons remaining before stepping away from full-time NASCAR competition.
With more than 300 starts for Hendrick Motorsports, eight Cup Series victories, and another opportunity to chase wins during the 2026 and 2027 seasons, Bowman now turns his attention toward ending his career the same way he built it—with determination, resilience, and one more run at Victory Lane.
Leave a comment