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Kyle Larson didn’t need long to sum up what Alex Bowman has meant to Hendrick Motorsports.
Less than 24 hours after Bowman announced he will retire from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition following the 2027 season, Larson was asked about the news during Friday’s media availability at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rather than focusing on Bowman’s accomplishments behind the wheel, Larson highlighted the qualities that made the driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet one of the organization’s most respected teammates.
Larson praised Bowman as both a competitor and a teammate, saying his impact extended far beyond race day.
“He’s been an amazing teammate,” Larson said.
“Probably the best teammate you can ask for. I’ve really enjoyed my time with him, he’s made us all better.”
Larson and Bowman have shared the Hendrick Motorsports stable since Larson joined the organization in 2021. Alongside Chase Elliott and William Byron, the four drivers have helped Hendrick remain one of NASCAR’s premier organizations while combining for dozens of Cup Series victories over the past several seasons.
According to Larson, Bowman’s value inside the team wasn’t limited to what happened on the racetrack.
One of the things Larson said he’ll remember most is Bowman’s personality during team meetings and post-race discussions.
“Really enjoyed having him around, you know, in the debriefs and all that because he brings a dry sense of humor that we all enjoy.”
Larson also made it clear Bowman earned the respect of everyone at Hendrick Motorsports through his driving ability.
“And he can drive the heck out of a race car. So he brings, like I said, a lot to the race team.”
The retirement announcement came Thursday when Hendrick Motorsports confirmed Bowman had signed a one-year contract extension through the 2027 season before deciding that campaign would be his final one as a full-time Cup Series driver.
While Bowman still has the remainder of the 2026 season and all of 2027 ahead of him, Larson said he’s happy his teammate is getting the opportunity to leave the sport on his own terms.
“I’m happy that he’s able to do it on his own terms.”
Bowman’s decision marks the beginning of the final chapter in a Cup Series career that has included multiple victories, playoff appearances and years as one of Hendrick Motorsports’ veteran leaders. Judging by Larson’s comments, his influence inside the organization may be remembered just as much as the results he produced on the track.
Continue reading...
Less than 24 hours after Bowman announced he will retire from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition following the 2027 season, Larson was asked about the news during Friday’s media availability at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rather than focusing on Bowman’s accomplishments behind the wheel, Larson highlighted the qualities that made the driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet one of the organization’s most respected teammates.
Kyle Larson says Alex Bowman made everyone at Hendrick Motorsports better
Larson praised Bowman as both a competitor and a teammate, saying his impact extended far beyond race day.
“He’s been an amazing teammate,” Larson said.
“Probably the best teammate you can ask for. I’ve really enjoyed my time with him, he’s made us all better.”
Larson and Bowman have shared the Hendrick Motorsports stable since Larson joined the organization in 2021. Alongside Chase Elliott and William Byron, the four drivers have helped Hendrick remain one of NASCAR’s premier organizations while combining for dozens of Cup Series victories over the past several seasons.
According to Larson, Bowman’s value inside the team wasn’t limited to what happened on the racetrack.
Larson says Bowman’s personality will be missed just as much as his talent
One of the things Larson said he’ll remember most is Bowman’s personality during team meetings and post-race discussions.
“Really enjoyed having him around, you know, in the debriefs and all that because he brings a dry sense of humor that we all enjoy.”
Larson also made it clear Bowman earned the respect of everyone at Hendrick Motorsports through his driving ability.
“And he can drive the heck out of a race car. So he brings, like I said, a lot to the race team.”
The retirement announcement came Thursday when Hendrick Motorsports confirmed Bowman had signed a one-year contract extension through the 2027 season before deciding that campaign would be his final one as a full-time Cup Series driver.
While Bowman still has the remainder of the 2026 season and all of 2027 ahead of him, Larson said he’s happy his teammate is getting the opportunity to leave the sport on his own terms.
“I’m happy that he’s able to do it on his own terms.”
Bowman’s decision marks the beginning of the final chapter in a Cup Series career that has included multiple victories, playoff appearances and years as one of Hendrick Motorsports’ veteran leaders. Judging by Larson’s comments, his influence inside the organization may be remembered just as much as the results he produced on the track.
Continue reading...
