Alex Bowman's future remains a focus as he returns to a track where he previously won, Chicagoland Speedway. He doesn't yet have his plans set for the 2027 season, but this is something he hopes to take care of "sooner rather than later."
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"Obviously, we've had a lot of different conversations and kind of trying to figure out what the best thing to do is, so I would say sooner rather than later, for sure," Bowman told media members during a teleconference.
"But really, I guess I haven't really thought about... like, it hasn't been the first thing on my mind by any means, and really just been working hard at trying to get things pointed in the right direction. But definitely, think sooner rather than later."
Bowman is regularly the topic of conversations every time that NASCAR's Silly Season approaches. He is the driver mentioned when people discuss shaking up the Hendrick Motorsports lineup.
He has driven full-time for Hendrick Motorsports since the 2018 season, and he has won eight races. This includes a career-best four in 2021.
He has also missed time due to various medical concerns, including a concussion, vertigo, and a fractured back. This includes five missed races in 2022, three in 2023, and four this season.
The No. 48 team has struggled to consistently contend for wins, especially in the Gen 7 era. Bowman and his team have only celebrated two wins since 2022: one with former crew chief Greg Ives and one with current crew chief Blake Harris.
Bowman's last win took place on the streets of Chicago during the 2024 season. He is currently 29th in the Cup Series standings heading to Chicagoland Speedway. He has three top-10 finishes and two top-fives in 14 starts.
Hendrick Motorsports and primary sponsor Ally have both openly voiced their support for Bowman as questions have circulated about his future.
However, he continues to get asked about his future, especially with Hendrick Motorsports development driver Corey Day winning two races during his rookie O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season.
It would be easy for Bowman to feel like he is racing for his future in NASCAR and with Hendrick Motorsports. He says that he does not feel this way. At this point, his focus just remains on helping the No. 48 team improve.
"Yeah, certain things haven't gone how we want them to go," Bowman said when asked about the recent struggles. "And honestly, I'm at a point in my life where I'm super blessed to be in a position where I don't have to do this forever.
"So I've just got to make the right decision, and I want Hendrick Motorsports to make the right decision and everybody to be on board with whatever we do.
"I think I have a lot of faith in Rick (Hendrick, team owner) and Jeff (Gordon, vice chairman) and everybody to guide all of us the right way, and whatever happens, happens."
