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Bowman currently drives the No. 88 car for team
owner Rick Hendrick. Greg Ives, crew chief of the No. 88 team,
also will move with Bowman to the No. 48.
"We have tremendous faith in this team," Hendrick said in a
statement. "Every season, Alex gets better. Not only do we see
it in the statistics, but his confidence and leadership have
truly blossomed. Today he's a proven winner and playoff
contender, and his best years are ahead. Greg has won
championships and races, and he brings the No. 48 pedigree
that's invaluable."
Bowman, 27, sits sixth in the Cup Series standings with a win at
Fontana, Calif., and three other top-five finishes.
"I've worked my entire life to be in a situation like this,"
Bowman said. "The opportunity to drive a legendary car like the
'48' with incredible support from Ally, it truly can't get any
better. I'm excited to build on my relationship with Greg, who
is a championship-caliber crew chief and knows first-hand what
the No. 48 is all about. The pieces are in place, and I'm
grateful to Mr. Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports
and (car sponsor) Ally. We're ready to do it right."
Johnson, 45, shares the record for most Cup Series championship,
as he, Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr. each won seven. He
also won the Daytona 500 twice among 83 career wins in the
top-level series. Johnson is currently 17th in the Cup Series
standings.
Johnson said of Bowman in a video tweeted by Hendrick
Motorsports, "I look at Alex's career and how hard he has worked
to create opportunity and to maximize opportunity. I remember
him being him in the Cup Series years and years ago, just
fighting for his job and driving off the wheels of the cars he
was in there.
"Then to see him develop as a driver and continue to apply
himself more and more each and every year, to continue to mature
and grow. He's earned the right. He really has earned this
opportunity to drive the 48 car. I believe he's going to do an
amazing job behind the wheel."
Bowman said in a statement, "I can't put my respect for Jimmie
into words. To me, the No. 48 team's legacy is about winning,
but also how you go about your business. It's leadership,
confidence, work ethic, being a professional and holding
yourself to a higher standard. No one will ever be Jimmie, and
he's given us a championship blueprint to follow."
--Field Level Media
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