Every NASCAR Cup Series Driver’s Current Contract Status in 2026
What’s Happening? NASCAR drivers, much like any athletes, have a period of free agency and multi-million dollar contracts. Based on information…
Despite widespread rumors about his future with the team beyond 2026, NASCAR Cup Series veteran Alex Bowman will return to Hendrick Motorsports for 2027.
The team announced the signing late Thursday afternoon, while also confirming rumors that Bowman was nearing a retirement from full-time racing.
Per the team, Bowman’s contract runs through 2027, after which he will retire from racing full-time, leaving the door open for part-time opportunities.
Bowman’s signing essentially clears up any roster questions for HMS in 2027, with Kyle Larson signing with the team through 2031 in February, Chase Elliott signing through 2027, and William Byron through 2029.
Bowman came to the team in 2016 as a substitute for injured Dale Earnhardt Jr., but took over Earnhardt’s ride after the Hall of Famer’s 2017 retirement tour.
In his time with the team, the Arizona native has had a hit-or-miss streak, with consistent runs and wins, followed by tough finishes and some injury-riddled seasons.
The 33-year-old Cup Series veteran has a lengthy injury history, missing races in 2022, 2023, and this season because of various injuries.
Still, injuries are not the stated reason for Bowman’s full-time retirement after next season, though it’s easy to suspect they could factor in, after all, in a statement provided by HMS, Bowman said:
“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.”
Other rumors throughout the Silly Season have suggested names ranging from HMS prospect Corey Day to Trackhouse Racing Rookie Connor Zilisch as possible substitutes in 2027, though Bowman seemed like the straightforward option.
This signing gives HMS a clear future in which the team can decide on a long-term option for the No. 48 team.
Most fans would suspect that prospect Corey Day is the future driver of the No. 48.
Of course, the young sprint car racing standout has a ways to go in his NASCAR development, something that can be seen by his inconsistency in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series this season.
While Day is still developing in the HMS system, there are other rumored options like Connor Zilisch.
Per reports, Zilisch is under contract until the end of 2027, and that could give HMS the right timing to slide in and place the young star in their No. 48.
What’s Happening? NASCAR drivers, much like any athletes, have a period of free agency and multi-million dollar contracts. Based on information…
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