Alex Bowman to Fill Seat of 7-time Champion Jimmie Johnson in 2021

Credit: Lisa Janine Cloud for Skirts and Scuffs

In 2021, two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Alex Bowman will move from the No. 88 Chevrolet to the No. 48 Chevrolet currently driven by Jimmie Johnson. 


Hendrick Motorsports announced the transition on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. Bowman will have full-season primary sponsorship from Ally, who is signed with the organization on the iconic ride through 2023.  


The 27-year-old will have a familiar face making the transition with him in crew chief, Greg Ives. Ives returns to the No. 48 team after serving as team engineer from 2006-2012. 


Bowman is in his third season with HMS after taking over the ride of NASCAR’s most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Currently in the hunt for the 2020 championship, Bowman is seeded sixth in the Round of 12 of the Playoffs. 


“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.”

Johnson will trade in his NASCAR firesuit for an IndyCar firesuit at the end of the season. He's scheduled to race with Chip Ganassi Racing on a part-time basis, but supports his teammate on receiving his ride and creating his own legacy going forward. 


“I’m here for Hendrick Motorsports and for Alex and anything that 48 car needs,” Johnson said. “I spent my entire career in the company, in that race car, and I want nothing but the best for them. As I look at things differently in my racing career and scale things down a bit, I’m still going to be here. Anything those guys need from me, I’m around and would be glad to help.”


Bowman signed a one-year contract extension with the organization back in May, two months after winning at Auto Club Speedway. In addition to the win, he has earned four top-five finishes and 11 top 10s this season. 

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Alex Bowman to Fill Seat of 7-time Champion Jimmie Johnson in 2021  Alex Bowman to Fill Seat of 7-time Champion Jimmie Johnson in 2021 Reviewed by Courtney Horn on Tuesday, October 06, 2020 Rating: 5