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Alex Bowman to Retire After 2027 Season with Hendrick Motorsports

Alex Bowman will drive the No. 48 car for Hendrick Motorsports in 2027 and then retire from full-time racing. The 33-year-old cited injuries and a desire to listen to his body as reasons for the decision.

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Alex Bowman to Retire After 2027 Season with Hendrick Motorsports

Alex Bowman to Retire After 2027 Season with Hendrick Motorsports

The short answer

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, announced on July 23, 2026, that he will race one more season in 2027 and then retire from full-time Cup Series competition. Bowman, 33, has eight Cup wins in 378 starts and has battled multiple injuries in recent years, including a concussion, broken back, and vertigo. He will finish his career with Hendrick, the team he joined in 2016 as a simulator driver and later replaced Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Why it's trending

The announcement of Bowman's retirement plan on July 23, 2026, triggered sudden interest as it marks the end of an era for a popular driver who has been with Hendrick Motorsports for a decade.

Alex Bowman will retire from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition after the 2027 season, Hendrick Motorsports announced on July 23, 2026. The 33-year-old driver signed a one-year contract extension to drive the No. 48 car in 2027 before stepping away. Bowman cited a history of injuries and the need to listen to his body as key factors in his decision.

According to FOX Sports' Bob Pockrass, Bowman has eight Cup wins in 378 starts. He missed five races in 2022 due to a concussion, three in 2023 from a broken back suffered in a sprint-car accident, and four in 2026 because of vertigo. Currently 29th in standings, he is not in Chase contention this year. Team owner Rick Hendrick praised Bowman as 'a tremendous talent' and 'an even better person.'

Bowman made his Cup debut in the 2014 Daytona 500 and joined Hendrick in 2016 as a simulator driver. He substituted for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 10 races later that season and replaced him full-time after Earnhardt's retirement in 2017. Bowman has made the postseason seven times. His retirement plan was confirmed by multiple sources including NASCAR.com and Jayski.

Bowman's retirement marks the end of a notable tenure at Hendrick Motorsports, where he overcame adversity and won big races. The decision allows him to finish his career on his own terms, a rarity in professional sports. Fans and analysts will watch how Hendrick fills the No. 48 seat for 2028 and beyond.

Timeline

  1. Cup Debut

    Alex Bowman made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in the Daytona 500.

  2. Joins Hendrick Motorsports

    Bowman started as a simulator driver for Hendrick and later substituted for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 10 races.

  3. Replaces Dale Earnhardt Jr.

    After Earnhardt's retirement, Bowman became the full-time driver of the No. 88 car.

  4. Concussion Misses

    Bowman missed five races due to a concussion.

  5. Broken Back

    He missed three races after breaking his back in a sprint-car accident.

  6. Vertigo Misses

    Bowman missed four races due to vertigo and is 29th in standings.

  7. Retirement Announcement

    Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports announced a one-year extension for 2027, after which he will retire from full-time competition.

Questions people ask

Why is Alex Bowman retiring?

Bowman cited a history of injuries—including a concussion, broken back, and vertigo—and the need to listen to his body as reasons for retiring after 2027.

How many wins does Alex Bowman have?

According to FOX Sports, Bowman has eight Cup wins in 378 starts.

When did Bowman join Hendrick Motorsports?

He joined in 2016 as a simulator driver and later substituted for Dale Earnhardt Jr. before taking over full-time in 2017.

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