Alex Bowman is officially set to retire from full-time racing after the 2027 season, a move that dropped Thursday night from Hendrick Motorsports. Bowman, who’s been wheeling the No. 48 car, announced a one-year contract extension for 2027, but it comes with a timeline for him to conclude his full-time career once that season wraps. It’s a big deal for the 33-year-old and for HMS, leaving a huge question mark for what comes next.
The Grind and the Hits He Took
Look, this guy has been through it. Bowman, at 33, already boasts eight Cup wins in 378 starts, which is no small feat. But let’s be real, the last few seasons have been a brutal battle against injuries. We saw him miss five races back in 2022 because of a concussion. Then, in 2023, he was out for three races after a broken back from a sprint-car accident. And this year? Four more races sidelined with vertigo. He’s been getting daily physical therapy on his back, for crying out loud. You’d think all those hits would be the main reason he’s stepping away, right? Well, that’s where it gets interesting.
It’s Not Just The Body, It’s The Plan
Here’s the kicker: Bowman says these injuries, while nasty, aren’t the *only* driving force behind his decision. He’s been clear that even without all the medical setbacks, he probably would be thinking about retirement right around now. “I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what’s next, and this feels like the right decision at the right time,” Bowman stated. He wants to start a family, and frankly, he never really pictured himself racing much past 35.
He hammered this home during a news conference, saying, “Concussions definitely stack up, right? We all know that. I’ve had my fair share, unfortunately, but this really isn’t a physical thing. I think if I would have had no injuries over the last 10 years, this time frame was still going to be this time frame.” He said this was “kind of always what I wanted.” It’s a bold statement, telling us he’s ready to be a “normal person” in a lot of ways, even admitting that racing “forever” like some guys just “was never going to be me.” He thought about making 2026 his last after the vertigo, but decided one more year with HMS was the right move.
So, what’s next for Bowman? He’s got one more full season, a whopping 53 Cup races, to be “all-in.” He admitted that number “sounded really big,” but he’s ready to “rip.” For Hendrick Motorsports, they now know they have a huge void to fill in 2028. Bowman’s departure, intentional and planned as it is, means HMS needs to find a top-tier talent to step into the No. 48. You know they’re already lining up Cup-ready options. It’s going to be wild watching his final 53 chances and seeing who steps up for the future.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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