Driver Alex Bowman will replace Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2018 for Hendrick Motorsports.
The wait is over. Hendrick Motorsports announced Thursday that Alex Bowman will replace Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the No. 88 Chevrolet in 2018.
Bowman, 24, filled in during 10 of the final 18 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races last year as Earnhardt was sidelined with a concussion. He earned three top-10 finishes, including a sixth-place finish at Phoenix Raceway after starting from the pole.
He will carry sponsorship from Nationwide — Earnhardt’s primary sponsor — for 19 races next year. Axalta Coating Systems will pick up 15.
“Ever since I was a kid, racing is all I’ve wanted to do,” Bowman said in a release. “I’ve had so many people believe in me along the way. My family has sacrificed a lot and always been behind me. I would never have this chance without the support of Dale and everyone involved with the No. 88 team. To be part of Hendrick Motorsports and for Mr. Hendrick to have this confidence in me, it’s just amazing.
“The No. 88 team is such a great group of people. I know we can pick up where we left off last year, and I truly believe we can win races and contend for a championship. I’m excited to build on the relationship with Nationwide and all of our partners. It means the world that they have faith in me, and I’m thankful to have them on my side. Now I just want to go win.”
Bowman signed with Hendrick Motorsports on Oct. 6, 2016, and this season has been heavily involved in the simulation and on-track testing program.
“Alex impressed the heck out of us last year with his talent, poise and professionalism,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, in a release. “He stepped up in a very demanding situation and showed that he can run with the best and compete for wins. His ability to stay focused through it all, and the way he’s handled himself since then, has shown a lot of character.
“Greg and the team loved working with Alex, and that dynamic will get even better with more time together.”
NASCAR MONSTER CUP
Track: Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Schedule: Saturday, practice, 9 and 11 a.m., CNBC, qualifying, 6:15 p.m., NBCSN; Sunday, race, 3 p.m., NBC. Outlook: Denny Hamlin led 54 laps in his backup car and beat Kyle Larson by half a second last week in New Hampshire, giving Joe Gibbs Racing its first win in 2017. JGR won 12 times a year ago. … Kyle Busch has won two straight in Indianapolis and has finished in first or second four times in his last five tries. … Jimmie Johnson is one victory shy of tying Bobby Allison for fourth all-time with 84 victories.
OTHER RACES
Xfinity: Lily Diabetes 250, Indianapolis. Saturday, qualifying, 9:45 a.m. (NBCSN); race, 12:30 p.m. (NBCSN). NHRA: Mile High Nationals, Morrison, Colo. Sunday, finals, 10:30 a.m. (Channel 10).