Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Hendrick Motorsports announced on Wednesday morning that Alex Bowman has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2026 season. Ally Financial, the sponsor of the No. 48 car, has also signed a contract extension through the 2028 season.
In light of the news, all three of Bowman’s teammates talked about him returning for 2024 and beyond.
William Byron started his NASCAR Cup Series career in 2018 which is also the same time that Bowman received his first full-time year with Hendrick Motorsports. The Arizona native replaced Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the No. 88 car after his retirement.
This came after Bowman substituted for Earnhardt in the No. 88 car for 10 races during the 2016 season and served as the organization’s test driver in 2017. Since then, both Byron and Bowman have been able to grow at Hendrick Motorsports together.
Byron’s answer to a question about Bowman should not come as a shock as the two have worked together for five years after sharing the same bond of being new drivers for the team.
“(Alex Bowman)’s great. Alex has always been a good friend of mine and we’ve always worked well together. I think he’s always brought good assets to the table and that’s been good for all of us.”
William Byron on his relationship with Alex Bowman
Bowman’s background likely contributes to his status as a teammate and asset to the organization. It was not an easy journey after spending time with smaller teams at the bottom of the totem pole.
This is different than other drivers with Hendrick Motorsports as they were in equipment that was capable of winning in their rookie seasons. It is always good to have a mix of backgrounds within a NASCAR team.
Related: Hendrick Motorsports preview for the 2023 NASCAR season
Chase Elliott started his first full-time season with Hendrick Motorsports in 2016 and it was the same year that Earnhardt was out due to a concussion. Bowman helped replace the Hall-of-Famer alongside NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, which is the driver Elliott took over for in his first year.
As stated in the previous section, the current driver of the No. 48 car then spent the 2017 season as a test driver for the team before jumping in full-time. This likely had an effect on how his teammates, specifically Elliott, view him nowadays.
I think (Alex Bowman) deserves it. Alex is a really good dude. He’s worked really hard to be where he’s at. He does a good job. He brings a lot to the table behind the scenes that you guys will never see. I know me personally being a teammate of his, I appreciate his efforts, his willingness to help or talk about whatever it may be.”
Chase Elliott praises Alex Bowman’s efforts behind the scenes as a teammate
Even as a NASCAR Cup Series champion, any driver can learn and become better due to help from their teammates. Elliott has found this to be true with Bowman despite his lesser amount of success on the race track as of now.
Elliott is the only current driver on Hendrick Motorsports to work with Bowman as a replacement and test driver before his full-time tenure started in 2018. The two have built their relationship since that point in time.
From a driver’s perspective, it is easy to understand why an opportunity at NASCAR’s top level is greatly appreciated. The journey can be very difficult at times and it’s something that most drivers have to experience.
Kyle Larson is known for his background in the dirt racing world and that has translated to Hendrick Motorsports. Larson’s teammates have driven in some dirt races, including Bowman who owns a Sprint Car racing team called Alex Bowman Racing.
Over that period of time, the two drivers have grown close outside of the NASCAR circuit and it should not come as a surprise. Larson talked about his relationship with Bowman and his thoughts on seeing him re-sign with the organization.
“I’m happy to have (Alex Bowman) with the team for at least three years. I really enjoy Alex. I feel like we’re great friends. We have a lot in common with dirt racing stuff. He’s who I’m probably closest with because of that connection through dirt racing…He’s who I spend the most time with out of the rest of my teammates.”
Kyle Larson on Alex Bowman continuing his NASCAR career with Hendrick Motorsports
That is very high praise from Larson and as stated above, it is not a surprise that both of them have become close due to their dirt racing background. The driver of the No. 5 car for Hendrick Motorsports has proven that dirt racing can help his performance on Sunday.
Bowman’s teammates only have good things to say when asked about him. Based on the answers from the other Hendrick Motorsports drivers, the 29-year-old is hard-working and brings great value to the organization as a friend and competitor.
Those are two of many reasons why Hendrick Motorsports made the decision to bring Bowman back for the next three years as the lineup continues to grow closer.