Reaction pours in to Alex Bowman driving No. 88 in 2018

FULL STORY: Bowman to follow Dale Jr. in No. 88 MORE: Hendrick drivers through the years | Gordon on Bowman 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.   Everyone at the Nos. 48 and 88 shop welcomed Bowman in person. Bowman tweeted, as well, expressing gratitude. Fellow drivers helped celebrate Bowman's big news. [gallery_content baseUrl="https://www.nascar.com" galleryID="488" photocount="0"]