Alex Bowman will replace the retiring Dale Earnhardt Jr. and drive the No. 88 Chevrolet in the Monster Energy Cup Series beginning in 2018, Hendrick Motorsports announced Thursday.
Alex Bowman to replace Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Hendrick Motorsports
Hendrick Motorsports names Alex Bowman, 24, to replace the retiring Dale Earnhardt Jr. as driver of the No. 88 car beginning next season.
Bowman made 10 starts substituting for Earnhardt in 2016 as the veteran driver was recovering from a concussion that sidelined him for the entire second half of the season. During that stint, Bowman impressed the team by turning in several strong performances, including nearly winning the second-to-last race of the season at Phoenix International Raceway.
When Earnhardt was medically cleared to return in December, Bowman remained with Hendrick despite a lack of sponsorship that prevented him from racing either Cup or the second-tier Xfinity Series. The 24-year-old works in the simulation department at Hendrick where he helps develop and fine-tune chassis setups. His efforts have earned him widespread praise and he’s credited with playing an integral role in helping the organization overcome a rare stretch of extended futility last summer.
Because of his success as Earnhardt’s fill in, Bowman was always considered one of the favorites to be named Earnhardt’s successor. In recent weeks Hendrick executives have debated whether to appoint Bowman, promote 19-year-old rising star William Byron up from Xfinity, or sign veteran Matt Kenseth to a short-term deal.
“Alex impressed the heck out of us last year with his talent, poise and professionalism,” team owner team owner Rick Hendrick said. “He stepped up in a very demanding situation and showed that he can run with the best and compete for wins. His ability to stay focused through it all, and the way he’s handled himself since then, has shown a lot of character.”
Bowman has made 81 Cup Series starts, with three top-10 finishes — all substituting for Earnhardt last season. His best result was sixth, occurring at Phoenix in November where he started on the pole and led 194 laps.
The length and terms of Bowman’s contract were not disclosed.
“Ever since I was a kid, racing is all I’ve wanted to do,” Bowman said. “I’ve had so many people believe in me along the way. My family has sacrificed a lot and always been behind me. I would never have this chance without the support of Dale and everyone involved with the No. 88 team.
“To be part of Hendrick Motorsports and for Mr. Hendrick to have this confidence in me, it’s just amazing.”
Nationwide Insurance will continue its partnership with Hendrick, serving as primary sponsor for the No. 88 team in 19 of 36 races next season. Axalta will be the primary sponsor in 15 races, an increase by two from its commitment this season.
Earnhardt announced in April he would retire from full-time competition at the end of the current season. NASCAR’s 14-time most popular driver has dealt with serious health concerns in recent years, suffering three concussions since 2012.
After being medically cleared to return, Earnhardt put off negotiating an extension to a contract that expires at the end of 2017, saying he wanted to wait a few months before making a decision about his future.
Ultimately, wanting the option to retire on his own terms and not due to factors outside his control, compelled Earnhardt, who was married on New Year’s Eve, to step away from racing full-time. He will continue to make occasional Xfinity starts for the team he co-owns with his sister, Kelley, and Rick Hendrick.
Earnhardt has frequently touted Bowman, lobbying publicly for him to get the opportunity to race the No. 88 car on a full-time basis. In addition to his duties behind the scenes at Hendrick, Bowman also has had a regular presence around the No. 88 team on race weekends.
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