What’s your response when a fly buzzes around your ear? You swat it away and get back to your tasks. Similarly, recent rumors have been buzzing around Hendrick Motorsports, causing some irritation. Before anything official was announced, driver Alex Bowman addressed concerns about his career safety. After all, his seven seasons with Hendrick, which include eight career wins and playoff appearances each year except for the injury-riddled 2023, are quite notable. With Bowman’s recent resurgence, particularly highlighted by his victory in the rain-soaked Chicago Street Race, the heat seemed to be off for now.
However, a series of disappointing finishes starting with Indianapolis raised doubts about Bowman’s future, sparking more speculation among NASCAR experts. A strong top-five finish at Atlanta and Rick Hendrick’s support helped shift the narrative, but the rumors persisted. At the Playoff Media Day on September 4, Bowman faced numerous questions that were more about these speculations than the postseason itself.
These questions stemmed from social media rumors suggesting Bowman might not return to the No. 48 team next season. Bowman, though clearly frustrated, addressed these rumors by emphasizing that his contract runs through the end of 2026 and that his superiors had reassured him there were no plans for change. He stated, “My contract is through the end of 2026, and all I can tell you is what my bosses have told me. There are no plans to change anything. Rumors are just rumors.”
Rick Hendrick, often referred to as Mr. H, has now put these rumors to rest. According to NASCAR journalist Alan Cavanna, Hendrick confirmed, “Boss is happy. We’re happy,” and affirmed Bowman’s place in the HMS lineup for next year. Bowman’s three-year deal, part of HMS’s five-year agreement with Ally Financial in 2023, secures his future through at least 2026. Earlier in the year, Mr. H noted, “When Ally makes a commitment to something, they’re all in,” underscoring that the rumors were baseless.
HMS Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon also addressed the speculation on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, emphasizing confidence in Bowman and the No. 48 team. He noted that while rumors often arise when performance lags, the team remains optimistic about their future. Gordon acknowledged the high standards at Hendrick Motorsports and reaffirmed their commitment to the team’s success.
Meanwhile, while rumors swirled about his seat, Bowman continued to prove himself on the track. At Atlanta Motor Speedway, he clinched a top finish despite starting from 11th. Bowman’s performance, including stage points and a bold move on the final restart, impressed veteran driver Kevin Harvick. Bowman, despite aiming for a win, praised his team’s performance: “The car drove awesome all day; I’m super proud of the Ally Racing No. 48 team.” He reflected on the challenges of the race but remained optimistic about his team’s future.
