BRISTOL, TENNESSEE - MAY 31: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, races Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Cup Series Food City presents the Supermarket Heroes 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on May 31, 2020 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Alex Bowman to drive No. 48 in 2021
Shane Walters
Bowman will take over as 7-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson heads into retirement
Alex Bowman will take over the No. 48 in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season. He fills the seat as Johnson retires full-time from the NASCAR Cup Series.
Currently, the 27-year-old pilots the No. 88 for Hendrick Motorsports. This now leaves an open seat in the No. 88.
Greg Ives will serve as the crew chief on the No. 48 team.
“We have tremendous faith in this team,” Rick Hendrick said in a statement from the team.
“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.”
Jimmie Johnson on Alex Bowman taking over the No. 48
“I like at Alex’s career and how hard he has worked to create opportunity,” Jimmie Johnson stated in a team video release.
“I remember him being in the Cup Series, years and years ago. Just fighting for his job and driving the wheels off the cars he was in.”
Johnson added, “He’s earned the right. He really has earned this opportunity. I believe he’s going to do an amazing job behind the wheel.”
Alex Bowman on taking over the No. 48
“I’ve worked my entire life to be in a situation like this,” Bowman said in a statement from the team.
“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.”
Bowman added, “No one will ever be Jimmie, and he’s given us a championship blueprint to follow.”
Bowman has two career victories in the NASCAR Cup Series. His most recent came at Auto club Speedway in March of this year.