CONCORD, N.C. – In October, Hendrick Motorsports announced Alex Bowman would move to the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE after Jimmie Johnson retired from full-time racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. Making the move with Bowman was crew chief Greg Ives many members of the No. 88 team.
With one race complete in the 2021 season, the No. 48 pit crew is excited to continue a new chapter with a storied car number. While it might seem intimidating to many crew members, the No. 48 team is excited to represent the number.
“I think it’s an honor to be part of this number with its history with Jimmie and Hendrick Motorsports,” jackman Dustin Lineback said. “I’m actually proud to be part of it and believe it to be a privilege more so than a higher-pressure situation.”
Fueler Jacob Conley said if the team was working with a brand-new driver, moving to the No. 48 would be a little more nerve wracking. He's seen how well the team and Bowman work together, making the transition easy.
“He got to go right after Dale (Earnhardt Jr.) and drive that number,” Conley said of Bowman. “He had a lot of responsibility with that, taking over for the most popular driver for 15 years. I think that is going to help him a lot.”
Tire carrier Allen Stallings was with the No. 48 team previously and is proud to carry the legacy on with new teammates. He said he wants to push the new members to bring the Chevrolet back to victory lane with Bowman behind the wheel.
"It’s fun to get on a new team and be with some new guys,” Stallings said. “The way they’ve excelled last year was impressive. Hopefully, me being on this team now will help jumpstart them.”
Bowman won the at Auto Club Speedway last season and placed inside the top 10 in nine of the final 12 races of 2020. He finished sixth in the points standings, a career best. Bowman’s No. 88 team also posted stellar pit times and worked flawlessly to push him further in the playoffs. He made it to the Round of 8, which was a personal goal.
“I think it says a lot about the team; we never really give up,” said tire changer Scott Brzozowski. “If we have a down race, we are always picking spots up on pit road. We’re making the car better and, at the end of the day, we seem to come up on top.”
Bowman just started his fourth full season with Hendrick Motorsports. While he was knocked out of the DAYTONA 500 early, his fast Ally Chevrolet and second pole award at “The Great American Race” is a testament to how hard the team worked together.
“I am definitely excited to keep carrying on this legacy,” Stallings said. “It’s an unreal opportunity for all of us to be on this car.”