Bowman to drive the No. 88 in 2018

One year after Hendrick Motorsports called upon Alex Bowman to fill in for Dale Earnhardt Jr. the company handed Bowman the keys to the No. 88 for the 2018 season.

Bowman will officially replace the retiring Earnhardt starting at Daytona International Speedway in February. The 2018 season will be Bowman's third full-time year in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

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"Ever since I was a kid, racing is all I've wanted to do," Bowman said. "I've had so many people believe in me along the way. My family has sacrificed a lot and always been behind me.

"I would never have this chance without the support of Dale and everyone involved in the No. 88 team. To be part of Hendrick Motorsports and for Mr. Hendrick to have this confidence in me, it's just amazing."

After Earnhardt was sidelined with a concussion for the second half of the 2016 season, Bowman drove the No. 88 in 10 races. Impressing many along the way, Bowman won the pole at Phoenix Raceway in November and led a total of 200 laps in those 10 races with three top-10 finishes.

In the Xfinity Series, Bowman also ran nine races for JR Motorsports. Bowman scored a pole at Michigan and led 51 laps with seven top-10 finishes. The 24-year-old has also put in time working at the Chevrolet simulator for both Chevrolet and Hendrick. His work has helped with the setups all four Hendrick cars have worked with this season.

"The No. 88 team is such a great group of people," Bowman continued. "I know we can pick up where we left off last year, and I truly believe we can win races and contend for a championship. I'm excited to build on the relationship with Nationwide and all of our partners. It means the world that they have faith in me, and I'm thankful to have them on my side. Now I just want to go win."

Nationwide will not only return as the primary sponsor of the car, but has increased its support with a one-year extension, sponsoring the No. 88 in 19 races.

Additionally, Axalta Coating Systems has also increased its support. Next year Axalta will be on the car for 15 races.

"Alex impressed the heck out of us last year with his talent, poise and professionalism," said team owner Rick Hendrick. "He stepped up in a very demanding situation and showed that he can run with the best and compete for wins.

"His ability to stay focused through it all, and the way he's handled himself since then, has shown a lot of character. [Crew chief Greg Ives] and the team loved working with Alex, and that dynamic will get even better with more time together."

Alex Bowman, Rick Hendrick, Nationwide director of sports marketing Jim McCoy and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will address the media Sunday at Indianapolis.