Alex Bowman will be the new driver of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE for Hendrick Motorsports in 2021, the organization announced on Tuesday Afternoon.
The 27-year-old is currently enjoying a successful season with Hendrick Motorsports, scoring his second career victory at Auto Club Speedway in March, while scoring a total of four top-fives and 11 top-10’s through 31 events in 2020.
2021.#DoItRight | @AlexBowman88 pic.twitter.com/wziOEjCqNW
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) October 6, 2020
Bowman will continue to be paired with crew chief Greg Ives, who has won five NASCAR Cup Series Championships as an engineer on the No. 48 team from 2006 to 2012. Ives was part of 42 victories, 113 top-five finishes and 21 poles with the organization before beginning his successful career as a crew chief
Bowman will continue to be paired with current crew chief Greg Ives, who has led Bowman to both of his NASCAR Cup Series victories. Ives also served as an engineer on the No. 48 from 2006 to 2012 – a tenure which included 42 wins, 113 top-fives and 21 poles — before moving to his current role as a crew chief within the Hendrick network in 2014.
“We have tremendous faith in this team,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “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 No. 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.”
Since 2019, Ally Financial has been the sole primary sponsor of Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 48, with seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson. The company has extended their partnership with Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 48 through at least the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Johnson is a big supporter of putting Bowman in the No. 48, Tweeting on Tuesday:
I’ve had 19 mind blowing seasons in the 48, now it’s your turn @alexbowman88. I know I’m leaving her in great hands brother. #DoItRight pic.twitter.com/Rv4YFWbJhT
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) October 6, 2020
“Alex is absolutely the right driver to carry on the legacy of the No. 48 – and he deserves a sponsor as committed as he is,” said Andrea Brimmer, chief marketing and public relations officer for Ally. “He’s young, hungry to win and ready to give it all he has. We’re eager to make the most of his energy and dedication to build more momentum for racing, find new ways to disrupt the sport and help broaden NASCAR’s reach even further.”
Bowman and Ives remain in the hunt for the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Championship after advancing to the “Round of 12”, and currently sit in a fairly comfortable position to advance further into the “Round of 8”. Following the season, the duo will transition to the No. 48 from the No. 88 – which the pair have partnered on since 2018.
“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 No. 48 is all about. The pieces are in place, and I’m grateful to Mr. Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports and Ally. We’re ready to do it right.
“I can’t put my respect for Jimmie into words. To me, the No. 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.”
Bowman will join current teammates Chase Elliott and William Byron as three of Hendrick Motorsports’ four drivers next season, with an announcement of the team’s fourth entry announced at a later date.
