Dale Earnhardt Jr. Says This Could Keep Alex Bowman at Hendrick

What’s Happening?

NASCAR Legend Dale Earnhardt Jr thinks that Alex Bowman’s sponsor, Ally, is “going to have some influence” over Hendrick Motorsports’ decision about the future of the No. 48 team.

The biggest 2027 Silly Season question on the minds of NASCAR fans right now is Alex Bowman’s future at Hendrick Motorsports.

After re-signing with the team in 2023, Bowman is at the end of his current deal with Hendrick at year’s end. While the stats may not suggest he’s the best option for HMS long-term, there seemed to be no other realistic option in the short term entering 2026.

Of course, this changed last week, when rumors spread that HMS was having serious talks about promoting NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver Corey Day, who is in his first full-time season in the series, for 2027.

As questionable and risky a move as this could be, fans have quickly warmed up to the idea, with some in the industry suggesting that with the differences between the OAP and Cup Series cars, it would be worth letting Day get his reps in sooner rather than later.

While there are other rumored options for a replacement at HMS, as of press time, some still think it might be best for the team to keep Bowman, and Dale Earnhardt Jr thinks that sponsorship could be the deciding factor.

Bowman’s Ally

During the latest episode of The Dale Jr Download, Earnhardt pointed to Bowman’s good relationship with Ally, the full-time sponsor of the No. 48, and the only full 36-race sponsor in the NASCAR Cup Series, as a potential catalyst for his eventual return to the car after this season.

“I just feel like they [Hendrick] have equity in Bowman, and I just don’t know that they’re gonna be quick to give up on that. Ally loves Bowman, and they’re going to have some influence.” — Dale Earnhardt Jr

Still, while Earnhardt sees the potential of what Day could bring to the table, he mentioned that, at least in his opinion, drivers need at least two years in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for a full-time Cup Series promotion.

In fact, Earnhardt even proposed the idea that HMS work out a deal to have Day get some Cup Series starts under his belt next season, before moving him to full-time in the future.

“Let him [Day] win some more races, have some fun, race for a championship this year in the O’Reilly Series,” Earnhardt asked. “Then do that again next year, but really have him, but also run five, ten cup races.”

Nonetheless, the two-time Daytona 500 Champion says that he understands getting behind the wheel of a Next Gen as soon as possible is important, but that “there’s still common sense and judgment and racecraft.”

This debate over what HMS should do with Bowman and Day will likely continue throughout the year, as the team has yet to set a plan for the No. 48 team in 2027, all while other rumors pick up traction that Trackhouse Racing rookie Connor Zilisch could be in the fold as well.

Stay close to the on-track action this weekend and every weekend by following our Race Weekend Dashboard for everything you need to know before, during, and after the race. Share your thoughts by joining the discussion on Discord or X, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for further updates.