FULL STORY: Bowman to follow Dale Jr. in No. 88
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Hendrick Motorsports announced Thursday morning that Alex Bowman will step into the No. 88 Nationwide Chevrolet in 2018 after Dale Earnhardt Jr. retires from full-time driving in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
Bowman had 10 starts in the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in 2016 as Junior was recovering from a concussion and related symptoms. Reaction poured in quickly on social media, with Junior and JR Motorsports leading the congratulations. Bowman ran nine races in the JRM No. 88 Chevrolet in 2016.
He’s worked so hard for this opportunity. A huge thanks to the @nationwide88 fans for supporting Alex. 2018 is going the be exciting. https://t.co/CQFY0M7NRM
– Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) July 20, 2017
Congrats @AlexBRacing, all of that hard work payed off.@TeamHendrick @nationwide88
– Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 20, 2017
Congrats to former JRM driver @AlexBRacing on today’s announcement that he’ll drive the No. 88 Chevy for @TeamHendrick in 2018! pic.twitter.com/3VXJLVIW5Z
– JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) July 20, 2017
Retweet to welcome @AlexBRacing to the No. 88 @Nationwide Chevy SS in 2018. #NW88Alex pic.twitter.com/CjZFiONRHw
– Nationwide 88 (@nationwide88) July 20, 2017
Everyone at the Nos. 48 and 88 shop welcomed Bowman in person.
A special moment shared with the Nos. 48 and 88 shop this morning as @AlexBRacing was named the driver of the @nationwide88 for 2018. pic.twitter.com/EmchXTS97h
– Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) July 20, 2017
Plenty of handshakes and smiles for @AlexBRacing this morning in the shop. pic.twitter.com/5Xghinej4P
– Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) July 20, 2017
Bowman tweeted, as well, expressing gratitude.
Ready to go win some races. Thanks to everybody for all the support. Never thought this day would come. Driving the 88 in 2018! pic.twitter.com/NxDEm2v4CG
– Alex Bowman (@AlexBRacing) July 20, 2017
… and Journey’s Dont Stop Believing is playing in the @TeamHendrick office right now. #Timing
– Alex Bowman (@AlexBRacing) July 20, 2017
Fellow drivers helped celebrate Bowman’s big news.
Congrats on the new ride to my amigo @AlexBRacing!! Been racing with this fella since I moved to the US. Very happy for you bud!
– Daniel Suárez (@Daniel_SuarezG) July 20, 2017
The sport needs new and fresh faces in rides that are opening! Pumped for you @AlexBRacing! Pretty damn cool!
– Darrell Wallace Jr (@BubbaWallace) July 20, 2017
Congrats @AlexBRacing !!!! Go do your thing!! https://t.co/BWKSXaSMxM
– Elliott Sadler (@Elliott_Sadler) July 20, 2017
Congrats to @AlexBRacing well deserved.
– Jeb Burton (@JebBurtonRacing) July 20, 2017
Congrats man that is awesome. Make it count! https://t.co/KyVMqIk20P
– Michael McDowell (@Mc_Driver) July 20, 2017