CONCORD, N.C. -- Alex Bowman and the No. 48 crew are grateful to be together after most team members worked together on the No. 88 team for the past three years. In October, Hendrick Motorsports announced Bowman, crew chief Greg Ives and the majority of the No. 88 team would make the switch to the legendary No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE.
The sense of excitement is palpable as Bowman and his teammates get used to a new number, a new primary sponsor and prepare for a new season. When Bowman and his crew descend on Daytona Beach, Florida, he will hit the track for the first time in the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet.
“It’s really cool heading into 2021 driving the No. 48 car,” Bowman said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. Working with Ally has been really great so far. (I’m) excited to get to the racetrack and do the fun part of my job in driving race cars.”
Bowman’s teammates are equally as excited to start the season with a new number and a new sponsor. As the road crew prepared to leave for Daytona International Speedway, they all have a single goal in mind.
“I’m ready to get this 48 back in victory lane,” race engineer Parker Winebrenner said. “It’s been a long time coming and we’re going to get Alex there.”
“Having Ally on as a full sponsor is awesome,” added backup hauler driver Scott Denton. “I’m looking forward to getting the season going and having a chance to win the DAYTONA 500 and winning a championship.”
Previously synonymous with seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Jimmie Johnson, Bowman will make the revamped Ally Chevrolet his own when he makes his debut in the car during Tuesday’s Clash exhibition race.
His appreciation on driving the Ally Camaro runs deeper than switching race teams. Bowman expressed gratitude for the trust owner Rick Hendrick has in the new No. 48 squad and is itching to hit the track in his new ride. The move also allows crew chief Greg Ives to return to the team after he spent 2006-2012 as an engineer with Johnson.
“I think, for me, seeing the history that Greg (Ives) has with the No. 48 car and how excited all the guys are to be working on a car with that number on it is really special. It’s cool that Mr. H had faith in all of us to stay together (and) all move to that car together. (I’m) just excited to get going.”
The No. 48 Ally Chevrolet will make its 2021 debut for the Clash at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday at the DAYTONA Road Course. Daytona Speedweeks will continue with qualifying Wednesday night and the Duels Thursday evening starting at 7 p.m. ET. On Sunday, Feb. 14, Bowman and the rest of the Cup Series drivers will rev their engines at Daytona International Speedway for the DAYTONA 500. The race will start at 2:30 p.m. ET at be broadcast on FOX.