Alex Bowman To Retire After 2027 Citing Injuries As Reason

Alex Bowman will compete in the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season for Hendrick Motorsports before retiring from full-time racing. The 33-year-old driver announced his plans on Thursday, confirming he signed a one-year contract extension with the team to finish his career on his own terms.

Bowman has spent significant time considering his future in the sport. While he has managed multiple health setbacks in recent years, including a concussion in 2022, a broken back in 2023, and vertigo earlier this year, he maintains that his decision is rooted in a desire for a different life stage. He noted that he never intended to race professionally past the age of 35 and plans to start a family.

Since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2016, first as a simulator driver and then as the replacement for Dale Earnhardt Jr., Bowman has secured eight Cup wins in 378 starts. Team owner Rick Hendrick expressed support for the driver, highlighting his professionalism and the adversity he overcame throughout his tenure with the organization.

Bowman acknowledges that facing his final 53 races makes the number feel significant, but he remains committed to the work ahead. He stated that he intends to finish his career with a strong performance and appreciates the opportunity to close this chapter alongside the team that supported his professional growth.