4 NASCAR stars’ contracts’ expiring amid open – Sports News
Alex Bowman’s sudden NASCAR retirement has left an open seat at Hendrick Motorsports (Image: Getty)
Alex Bowman’s shock retirement announcement will go away an open seat at Hendrick Motorsports following the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season. The 33-year-old will stroll away from full-time Cup Series competitors late subsequent yr, having missed elements of three seasons prior to now 5 years, together with a four-race absence this spring resulting from vertigo.
However, (*4*)the bodily toll of these accidents will not be driving his determination to step away. “I think with what went on in March, I feel like in my head, I had looked at this year being it quite a bit and talked about that,” Bowman stated.
“But yeah, just trying to make the best decision for me and obviously the best decision for Hendrick Motorsports. I think I really want to end on a more positive note than how this year’s been, so that gave me a little more motivation to come back and go one more year,” he added. Two high future prospects have already emerged as potential replacements for Bowman, however a slew of different NASCAR drivers may enter the fold.
Connor Zilisch, who has endured a nightmare debut Cup Series marketing campaign at Trackhouse, is a potential option, whereas Hendrick prospect Corey Day could possibly be handed the chance.
However, Hendrick can have the option to pursue skilled NASCAR drivers, ought to they select to go down that route. Per The Athletic, on the finish of the 2027 season, Chase Briscoe, Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen, and Bubba Wallace all have contracts set to run out or choices to be exercised.
Alex Bowman is an eight-time Cup Series race winner (Image: Getty)
Bowman’s shock retirement
The No. 48 driver rocked the NASCAR world with the information of his scheduled retirement. Bowman is an eight-time Cup Series race winner. His final victory was the 2024 Chicago Street Race.
His final season in 2027 might be his tenth with Hendrick, underscoring his significance to the crew. “Alex has meant so much to our organization for a long time,” stated Rick Hendrick, proprietor of Hendrick Motorsports.
“He’s overcome adversity, won big races and represented our team and partners with professionalism, personality and class. Alex is a tremendous talent in the race car and an even better person outside of it. We’re proud he’ll have the opportunity to finish his full-time career with us on his terms. He’s family.”
Bowman gushed as he talked about his crew. “I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what’s next, and this feels like the right decision at the right time,” Bowman stated.
“The sport asks a lot of you, and I’ve learned it’s important to listen to your body and make the right choices for yourself. To say I’m incredibly grateful to Mr. Hendrick, our partners at Ally and Chevrolet, and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports would be an understatement.
“They believed in me and gave me the biggest opportunity of my life. My focus now is on making the most of my time on the racetrack and competing for wins.
“We still have a lot to accomplish, and I want to close my career on a high note for our team and our fans. To have the chance to do that with this organization and these people is really special.”
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