Alex Bowman’s 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season has been relatively solid so far, but at Hendrick Motorsports, being “decent” may not cut it. Before his victory at the Chicago Street Course earlier this year, the 31-year-old had endured a winless streak spanning over two years. His absence from races due to a concussion in 2022 and a back injury in 2023 has also fueled speculation about his future at one of NASCAR’s top teams. Given his struggles, it’s no surprise that rumors are swirling about his long-term prospects with Hendrick Motorsports.
Despite these uncertainties, Bowman signed a contract extension in 2022 that ties him to the No. 48 car until 2026. Around the same time, Ally Financial, the primary sponsor of Hendrick Motorsports, extended their deal with the team until 2028. However, questions remain about whether Ally will continue to support Bowman should he leave the team.
In NASCAR, results matter more than long-term contracts, and underperformance can overshadow any multi-year deal. Bowman joined Hendrick Motorsports as a substitute for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2016 and became a full-time driver in 2018. Since then, he’s won eight races, including four in 2021, but has only managed to finish higher than 12th in the driver standings once. His teammates, meanwhile, have consistently outshined him, further intensifying doubts about his standing within the organization.
Amid all this speculation, Bowman has addressed the rumors, stating that he’s confident in his future with Hendrick Motorsports. In a recent interview, he said, “The rumor has been frustrating. My contract runs until the end of 2026, and my bosses have assured me there are no plans to make changes. Rumors are just rumors, and hopefully, once the official announcements are made, the speculation will stop. As far as I know, I’ll be driving the No. 48 next season.”
Bowman’s seat for 2025 appears secure for now, regardless of his performance in the upcoming playoffs. However, his relationship with Ally Financial, a major sponsor with a deal worth around $12.67 billion, is tied to his position at Hendrick Motorsports. The company’s loyalty may lean more toward the team than the individual driver, which means Bowman’s future with Ally could be in jeopardy if Hendrick Motorsports decides to part ways with him.
Ally’s sponsorship deal extends two years beyond Bowman’s contract, emphasizing that while they back the No. 48 driver, their commitment to Hendrick Motorsports is stronger. Bowman is aware that he must step up his game if he hopes to remain with the team beyond 2026. His upcoming playoff performance could be pivotal, as a deep run would help silence critics and demonstrate his value to the team.
Bowman has acknowledged his recent struggles, particularly in the lead-up to the playoffs. During NASCAR’s Playoff Media Day, most of the questions directed at him focused on his future rather than his upcoming races. Reflecting on his season, he admitted, “We need to perform better. It’s been a tough month. We haven’t executed at a high level, so we need to improve over the next 10 weeks. But we’re doing this for us, for Ally, and for the No. 48 team. I’m not concerned about my job.”
Bowman’s recent results back up his concerns. In the last five races, his best finish was 16th at Daytona, a far cry from the top-tier performance expected at Hendrick Motorsports. However, with the playoffs on the horizon, he has a fresh opportunity to prove his critics wrong. If Bowman can defy the odds and make a strong playoff push, he might deliver a championship to Hendrick Motorsports in its 40th-anniversary season.
Shocking: Despite Alex Bowman’s Confidence, $12.67 Billion Sponsor set to Leave Him Hanging Out of HMS if the Tides Don’t Turn
