NASCAR's Bowman to retire from full-time racing after 2027 season

Alex Bowman has announced his decision to retire from full-time racing following the 2027 NASCAR season. The driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet confirmed he will remain with Hendrick Motorsports for the duration of his final years, after signing a one-year contract extension.

Throughout a career spanning 12 years, Bowman has secured eight Cup Series victories and earned seven playoff appearances. He has been a consistent presence at Hendrick Motorsports since 2018, contributing to the organization’s history with over 300 starts for the team. By the end of his final season, he expects to exceed 400 total career Cup Series starts.

Recent years have presented significant physical challenges for Bowman. He missed races due to a concussion in 2022 and dealt with a back injury in 2023. Additionally, he was sidelined earlier this season while experiencing vertigo. Bowman noted that he prioritized listening to his body before deciding on this timeline for his career.

Team owner Rick Hendrick expressed support for the decision, noting Bowman’s professionalism and ability to overcome physical setbacks. Hendrick indicated that Bowman remains an important part of the team family and that the organization values his contributions to their operations.

For the remainder of his tenure, Bowman stated his primary goal is to compete for wins and finish his driving career on a high note. He is currently ranked 29th in the standings as he prepares for his final seasons in the sport.