Alex Bowman To Replace Dale Earnhardt Jr.
CONCORD, N.C. — In what will be a surprise to many, Alex Bowman has been named to replace Dale Earnhardt Jr. as the full-time driver of the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet next season.
Bowman, who was impressive in driving 10 races as a substitute for Earnhardt last season, will a get a full-time crack at one of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series’ most coveted rides. And he will get it with support from Nationwide and Axalta, which will return as sponsor the team’s primary sponsors.
Earnhardt previously announced he will retire as a full-time driver at the end of the season.
“Ever since I was a kid, racing is all I’ve wanted to do,” Bowman said. “I’ve had so many people believe in me along the way. My family has sacrificed a lot and always been behind me. I would never have this chance without the support of Dale and everyone involved with the No. 88 team. To be part of Hendrick Motorsports and for Mr. Hendrick to have this confidence in me, it’s just amazing.
“The No. 88 team is such a great group of people. I know we can pick up where we left off last year, and I truly believe we can win races and contend for a championship. I’m excited to build on the relationship with Nationwide and all of our partners. It means the world that they have faith in me, and I’m thankful to have them on my side. Now I just want to go win.”
Nationwide, one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States, joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2014 as a corporate partner and in 2015 became majority sponsor of the No. 88 Chevrolet.
“We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Hendrick Motorsports and welcome Alex to the No. 88 Nationwide team,” said Terrance Williams, chief marketing officer at Nationwide. “Rick Hendrick and the No. 88 team have been exceptional partners for the last three years, and we look forward to our joint commitment and engagement with the NASCAR community, both on and off the track.”
In addition to Nationwide’s one-year extension for 19 races next season, Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE: AXTA), a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, will increase its number of races featured as the primary sponsor of the No. 88 team by two for next season, bringing its total to 15 Cup events with Bowman in 2018. Axalta has been a Hendrick Motorsports corporate partner since 1992 and a sponsor of the No. 88 Chevrolet since 2016.
Source :speedsport.com
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