In a move that no one saw coming, Hendrick Motorsports announced that Alex Bowman will move from the No. 88 Chevrolet to the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet in 2021, replacing Jimmie Johnson. This year, Johnson announced that he is retiring from NASCAR competition and will run in the IndyCar Series with Chip Ganassi Racing next year. Hendrick Motorsports also announced that Bowman’s current crew chief Greg Ives would remain his crew chief with the No. 48 team.
In a statement from Rick Hendrick, he said, “We have tremendous faith in this team. Every season, Alex gets better. Not only do we see it in the statistics, but his confidence and leadership have truly blossomed. Today he’s a proven winner and playoff contender, and his best years are ahead. Greg Ives has won championships and races, and he brings the No. 48 pedigree that’s invaluable. When you add in the amazing enthusiasm and support from Ally, it’s quite a combination. Their partnership makes it all possible, and we look forward to celebrating many successes together in the future.”
Bowman made his Cup Series debut in 2014 for BK Racing. In 2015, he raced for Tommy Baldwin Racing. Bowman got his shot with Hendrick Motorsports in 2016, filling in for Dale Earnhardt Jr. while battling a concussion and taking advantage of the opportunity. He won the pole at Phoenix and nearly won the race. He would end up finishing the 2016 season with three top-ten finishes. Bowman would eventually replace Earnhardt Jr. in 2018.
In his first full year of racing, Bowman won the pole at Daytona, and despite not winning a race, he would qualify for the playoffs and would be eliminated in the Round of 12. Bowman would get his first career Cup Series win at Chicagoland in 2019. This year, he earned his second career win at Auto Club Speedway, and he is in the playoffs, currently sitting in sixth place in the Round of 12 playoffs.
Bowman released a statement on switching to the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet, saying, “I’ve worked my entire life to be in a situation like this. The opportunity to drive a legendary car like the ‘48’ with incredible support from Ally, it truly can’t get any better. I’m excited to build on my relationship with Greg Ives, who is a championship-caliber crew chief and knows first-hand what the No. 48 is all about. The pieces are in place, and I’m grateful to Mr. Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports and Ally. We’re ready to do it right. I can’t put my respect for Jimmie into words. To me, the No. 48 team’s legacy is about winning, but also how you go about your business. It’s leadership, confidence, work ethic, being a professional, and holding yourself to a higher standard. No one will ever be Jimmie, and he’s given us a championship blueprint to follow.”
Hendrick also said that he will make an announcement on the No. 88 Chevrolet’s future at a later date.
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