Alex Bowman will retire from NASCAR Cup Series competition at the end of 2027.
The Tucson, Arizona-native announced on Thursday that he’s signed a one-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports, which will see him remain the driver of the No. 48 Ally Financial Chevrolet for 2027, before retiring after next season ends.
Bowman has been a part of NASCAR’s winningest organization in 2016, serving as a 10-race interim driver of the No. 88 for the injured Dale Earnhardt, Jr., a ride that he would then take over once NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver retired after 2017.
“Alex has meant so much to our organization for a long time,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “He’s overcome adversity, won big races and represented our team and partners with professionalism, personality and class. Alex is a tremendous talent in the race car and an even better person outside of it. We’re proud he’ll have the opportunity to finish his full-time career with us on his terms. He’s family.”
During his nine-season tenure at Hendrick Motorsports, Bowman found significant success, winning eight races, four of which came during 2021. But, with those triumphs have come some tribulations – missing races due to injury in 2022 (concussion), 2023 (broken back), and 2026 (vertigo).
Ally Financial has sponsored Bowman’s No. 48 since 2021.
“Ever since Alex became part of the Ally family, it was clear he was someone special – not just behind the wheel, but in the way he represents everything Ally stands for. We’ve been with him through the wins, the challenges and the moments that define a career, and we couldn’t be prouder of the legacy we’ve built together,” said Andrea Brimmer, chief marketing and PR officer at Ally. “The No. 48 Ally Chevrolet means something to our employees, our customers and our fans, and knowing we get one final season with Alex to compete for wins in 2027 makes it all the more meaningful. He will be deeply missed on the track, and we couldn’t be more supportive of him as he looks ahead to the next chapter of his life.”
Bowman will cross the 400 NASCAR Cup Series starts milestone next season.
“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. To say I’m incredibly grateful to Mr. Hendrick, our partners at Ally and Chevrolet, and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports would be an understatement. They believed in me and gave me the biggest opportunity of my life.”
“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 for our team and our fans. To have the chance to do that with this organization and these people is really special.”
Hendrick Motorsports did not announce who will take over the No. 48 in 2028.
