Alex Bowman, the 33‑year‑old driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, has confirmed that the 2027 NASCAR season will mark his final full‑time campaign. The announcement comes after the team exercised a one‑year extension on his contract before revealing his retirement plan, ensuring a measured transition for both the driver and the organization.
Bowman’s decision follows a series of health challenges that have plagued him in recent years, including episodes of vertigo, a concussion and a lingering back injury. Each setback forced him to step back from competition, but the driver has remained focused on finishing his career on his own terms.
A Career Defined by Resilience
Despite currently sitting 29th in the points standings and falling below the playoff cutline, Bowman’s résumé tells a different story. Since his debut in 2018 he has collected eight Cup Series victories and earned seven playoff berths, underscoring a consistency that few drivers achieve over a short span.
The 2027 schedule will also celebrate a decade of partnership between Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports, a tenure that includes 307 career starts for the team and a projected milestone of surpassing 400 Cup starts next season. Bowman has indicated he wants to “make the most of the time I have left” and to finish with a strong push for wins.
Team owner Rick Hendrick praised Bowman’s professionalism and talent, highlighting the driver’s impact on the organization and his role in shaping its future. “Alex has been a cornerstone of our program, bringing skill, dedication and a collaborative spirit that elevates everyone around him,” Hendrick said in the announcement.