Alex Bowman will retire from the NASCAR Cup Series after the 2027 season, bringing to a close a chapter that has seen the No. 48 car become one of the sport’s most recognizable rides. His departure creates a vacancy that Hendrick Motorsports is already working to address.
Finding the right cultural fit
Jeff Andrews, president of Hendrick Motorsports, emphasized that the next driver for the No. 48 must not only be fast on track but also mesh well with the team’s environment. "We need someone who fits the culture and can work effectively with the other drivers," Andrews said.
The search for a replacement will kick off shortly, with Connor Zilisch and Corey Day emerging as early candidates. Both drivers bring strong road‑course credentials and a hunger to prove themselves at the highest level of stock car racing.
A focus on winning now and planning for the future
Bowman and the No. 48 team will concentrate on delivering wins during the 2026 and 2027 seasons while the organization simultaneously builds a shortlist for the 2028 driver lineup. Andrews noted that Hendrick aims to secure a driver who can help the team stay competitive across the next several years.