Alex Bowman, the 33-year-old NASCAR Cup Series driver for Hendrick Motorsports, has announced his intention to retire from full-time competition following the conclusion of the 2027 season. Bowman recently signed a one-year extension to remain with Hendrick Motorsports and continue driving the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro through 2027.

Bowman cited years of injuries as a significant factor influencing his decision. He experienced concussion-like symptoms that sidelined him for five races during the 2022 season and missed three races the following year due to a broken vertebra sustained in a sprint car crash. Currently, Bowman ranks 29th in the standings with an average finishing position of 21.765, marking his lowest performance since 2015, prior to joining Hendrick Motorsports.

Reflecting on his decision, Bowman stated, "I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what’s next, and this feels like the right decision at the right time. 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."

Bowman’s announcement comes amid other sports retirements related to injury, such as Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek retiring at age 28 after a severe neck injury during the 2025 season.

Sources