Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman will move from the #88 to the #48 ahead of the 2021 season to fill the seat vacated by the retiring seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, HMS announced Tuesday.
“I can’t put my respect for Jimmie into words,” Bowman said. “To me, the #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.”
Johnson will retire from full-time Cup Series competition at the end of the 2020 season. He has driven the #48 for Hendrick his entire Cup Series career, dating back to a partial schedule in 2001 before going full-time in the series in 2002.
Johnon’s seven championships match a series record achieved by NASCAR Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. Johnson’s seven championships include a record five-straight between 2006 and 2010. He also has 83 race wins, tying him with another Hall of Famer, Cale Yarborough for sixth on the all-time wins list.
“I can’t put my respect for Jimmie into words,” Bowman said. “To me, the #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.”
Crew chief Greg Ives also will make the move with Bowman from the #88 to the #48 team. He previously was a team engineer on the #48 team between 2006 through 2012, making him a part of Johnson’s string of five-consecutive titles.
“I’ve worked my entire life to be in a situation like this,” Bowman said. “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, who is a championship-caliber crew chief and knows first-hand what the #48 is all about. The pieces are in place, and I’m grateful to Mr. [Rick] Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports and Ally. We’re ready to do it right.”
After stints with the now-defunct BK Racing and Tommy Baldwin Racing, Bowman joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2016, first driving the #88 for an injured Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the second half of the season and, then, assuming the #88 seat as the regular, full-time driver in 2018 after Earnhardt’s retirement.
Bowman has two-career wins, one this season and the first last season, and has made the Cup Series playoffs the last two seasons. He remains in 2020 championship contention and is in position to advance to the playoff round of eight after Sunday’s race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway “Roval.” He heads into the elimination race sixth in the points standings.
“We have tremendous faith in this team,” car owner Rick Hendrick said. “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 has won championships and races, and he brings the #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.”
According to a press release from Hendrick Motorsports, Bowman’s replacement behind the wheel of the #88 will be announced at a later date.
