This retirement could be a short one… or not
By Roy J. Akers — www.skyviewsports.net
Indianapolis, Indiana – The retirement of Alex Bowman after the 2027 season is not a surprise. Bowman’s injuries from crashes, including a bout with vertigo earlier this season, have taken their toll. Bowman said at Bristol earlier this season he hoped to continue his CUP career, but said the reality is he had a huge decision to make. Still, the scales were tipped toward retirement with Bowman, who wanted to see how the 2026 season turned out. With four top-tens, three of which were top five finishes in 17 races were not enough for Bowman to stick around.
Bowman made his retirement announcement on the Jeff Gluck podcast (click below)
Bowman wanted to retire after the 2026 season and is still highly regarded by Rick Hendrick. “Alex has meant so much to our organization for a long time,” Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, said in a team press release. “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 stuck around in 2027 due to his loyalty to Hendrick and the lack of capable drivers not under contract for next season. With Josh Berry, Ty Gibbs (still under contract) and the likely available drivers, Hendrick wants a better pool of drivers to choose from. Connor Zilisch is available for the 2028 season and Hendrick wants to swing for the fences. (Zilisch Some people thought Bowman would be dropped from the Hendrick roster, but that was never the case. Bowman needs to go out on his own terms. “My focus now is on making the most of my time on the race track 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.”
Bowman has one foot out the door and the Gluck podcast with Bowman makes it sound like Bowman will retire no matter what, but wins and top performances could change his decision. His health and family will also factor in his decision.
Bowman’s 2026 campaign has not gone to plan, ranking 29th in points after 21 races with three top fives and four top 10s. His 21.8 average finishing position is on track to be his poorest since 2015, when he competed for Tommy Baldwin Racing.
Bowman said he would have liked to walk away from NASCAR with no announcement, but the constant questions would have been a distraction, and “that’s not realistic.” He still plans on racing drift cars and quarter midgets, but his time on the NASCAR stage will end after 2027
