NASCAR driver Alex Bowman to retire from full-time racing after 2027 season

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR driver Alex Bowman will retire from full-time racing following the 2027 season.

>Bowman, who had been in the final year of his contract at powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports, signed a one-year extension before announcing his future plans on Thursday.

>The 33-year-old Bowman missed four races earlier this season because of vertigo and also was sidelined in 2022 because of a concussion and the following year because of a back injury. He drives the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick and currently sits 29th in points, well below the 16-driver cutline for the postseason.

>“I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what’s next, and this feels like the right decision at the right time,” 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."

>“My focus now is on making the most of my time on the racetrack 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.”

>While driving most of his 12-year career for Hendrick, Bowman has eight Cup Series victories and has qualified for the playoffs seven times since 2018. The 2027 campaign would be Bowman’s 10th with Hendrick.

>“Alex has meant so much to our organization for a long time,” team owner Rick Hendrick said. “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 is expected to eclipse 400 career Cup starts next season. He has competed in 307 races for Hendrick, which ranks sixth in team history.