Alex Bowman is set to continue his NASCAR Cup Series run with Hendrick Motorsports for at least another three seasons, the organization announced on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old driver has signed an extension to his contract with the championship-winning organization which will see him continue to serve as the driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 through 2026.
Ally Financial, which enters its fifth full-time season as a sponsor in the NASCAR Cup Series, has also signed a long-term contract extension with the championship-winning organization, remaining as full-season sponsor of the No. 48 through 2028.
“We couldn’t ask for a better partner than Hendrick Motorsports, so extending our relationship for the next five years was a no-brainer,” said Andrea Brimmer, Ally’s chief marketing and public relations officer. “We’re one team, and Ally, together with Hendrick Motorsports and Alex, are a winning combination. Through this extension and our recently announced NASCAR sponsorship, we are fully committed to being an active part of the sport and deepening our engagement with fans.”
The company's partnership with Hendrick Motorsports began in 2019, with Jimmie Johnson - seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion - serving as the face of the company's presence in NASCAR.
“Alex is our guy, and a true ally. He’s an incredible driver who shares our passion for connecting to the community,” Brimmer added. “We’re proud to stand by him as his longest sponsor and expand on this true partnership.”
Since partnering with Hendrick Motorsports, Ally Financial has continued to find innovate ideas to reach above and beyond their sponsorship of Bowman - and the company's entitlement sponsor of the NASCAR Cup Series event at Nashville Superspeedway.
The company has partnered with Best Friends Animal Society and Bowman to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars. Ally has also put together some unique partnerships, like collaborating with artist Caroline Fogle to design the Ally 48 dual primary paint schemes for the 2023 season.
“When Ally makes a commitment to something, they’re all in,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “It’s been extremely rewarding to see their passion for the No. 48 team and the unique ways they use the sponsorship to engage with our fans. Not only do these initiatives positively influence Ally’s business, they leave a lasting impact on the communities where we race. It’s a special partnership that’s just getting started.
Bowman is a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series winner - including five victories since moving to the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro in 2021. In each of his seasons with Hendrick Motorsports, the Arizona-native has secured a playoff berth.
“We’re thrilled to extend with Alex, who is one of NASCAR’s most exciting young stars. In addition to being hugely talented, he has incredible passion and commitment that set him apart. He’s a proven winner, and I don’t know of anyone who has worked harder to reach this level. The opportunity to continue our relationships with Alex and everyone at Ally is a great way to kick off 2023. It’s a tremendous combination.”
Photo Credit: Hendrick Motorsports