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Hendrick Motorsports names Alex Bowman to replace Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the 88

By Nick Tylwalk

LOUDON, NH - MAY 30: Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 Nationwide Insurance Chevrolet, looks on during testing for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on May 30, 2017 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
LOUDON, NH - MAY 30: Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 Nationwide Insurance Chevrolet, looks on during testing for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on May 30, 2017 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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It wasn’t the flashiest move Hendrick Motorsports could have made to replace a future NASCAR Hall of Famer, but it’s one that makes sense for the team as it stands right now.

Forget Brad Keselowski, Matt Kenseth or Carl Edwards. The man taking over for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet next year is a lot less famous, but Alex Bowman will no doubt relish his chance to take over for the most popular driver in NASCAR.

Hendrick officials made the move official on Thursday, naming Bowman as the driver of the 88 for the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. The 24-year-old from Tucson has never had a full time ride in the Cup Series for a team with this many resources before, though he is familiar with the car he’ll be driving next year.

That’s in large part due to Bowman’s fill-in role in 2016 while Earnhardt was recovering from concussion symptoms. While Jeff Gordon made nine starts in Junior’s absence, Bowman also took the wheel nine times, turning in top-10 finishes at Chicago, Kansas and Phoenix.

Perhaps more importantly, Bowman is agreeable to the current sponsors of the 88. Nationwide, thought by some to be considering leaving Hendrick when Earnhardt stepped away, will be back as the primary sponsor for 19 2018 races. Axalta also returns, and will appear on the hood 15 times next year.

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More than anything, this is an incredible opportunity for Bowman, who makes a big move up from his role as Hendrick’s testing and simulation driver to a chance to be teammates with Jimmie Johnson and Chase Elliott.

“Ever since I was a kid, racing is all I’ve wanted to do,” Bowman said in a team release made public by NASCAR.com. “I’ve had so many people believe in me along the way. My family has sacrificed a lot and always been behind me. I would never have this chance without the support of Dale and everyone involved with the No. 88 team. To be part of Hendrick Motorsports and for Mr. Hendrick to have this confidence in me, it’s just amazing.”

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