Matt Johnson
NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman is in the midst of a turbulent year, struggling on the track and missing time due to vertigo. It’s all come in a contract year, creating more uncertainty about his future in the No. 48 car with Hendrick Motorsports.
Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports and Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic reported this week that teenager Connor Zilisch is a possible option for Hendrick if it decides to replace Bowman for the 2027 season.
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Bowman was already viewed to be on the hot seat entering the season. Things got off to a rough start, with the veteran driver finishing 40th in the Daytona 500, 23rd at EchoPark Speedway and then having to pull himself from the car at COTA due to vertigo-like symptoms.
Unfortunately for Bowman, medical issues have been a theme for him in recent years. He’s missed time previously with neck and back issues along with a concussion that resulted in a prolonged absence. Retirement seems to be on the table, creating even more uncertainty about who may drive the No. 48 car next season.
Will Hendrick Motorsports Replace Alex Bowman?
One thing that’s become clear is Kyle Busch won’t be joining Hendrick next season as a potential Bowman replacement. That realistically leaves HMS with three options, barring someone else becoming available.
Hendrick could decide to use 2027 as a development year for top prospect Corey Day. The 20-year-old would become a Cup Series rookie as a 21-year-old and could use the full season to learn how to drive the Next Gen car.
However, that comes at a cost. As Zilisch’s rookie season has shown, there’s a steep learning curve in the highest series. Day realistically wouldn’t have much of a chance at winning a race in 2027 and that would be one spot in The Chase that HMS likely doesn’t earn.
Alternatively, Hendrick could pay the price of buying Zilisch out of his contract with Trackhouse Racing and then putting him behind the wheel of the No. 48 car. It would give the team one of the top up-and-coming drivers in NASCAR, but it would also leave an uncertain future for Day.
There’s one alternative option that could work out for everyone. Bowman could re-sign with Hendrick on a one-year deal, a final chance to prove he belongs with a top team in the Cup Series. If he doesn’t perform up to expectations in 2027, then Hendrick could either put a more experienced Day behind the wheel or pursue Zilisch as a free agent.
