Rick Hendrick has announced a major shift in the structure of his NASCAR organization, launching a complete overhaul for the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team beginning in 2026. This bold move, centering on a new team lineup and renewed direction, arises after a frustrating 2025 season for driver Alex Bowman, reflecting Hendrick’s commitment to revitalizing performance across the board through Rick Hendrick team restructuring.
The 2025 campaign ended well short of expectations for Alex Bowman, who failed to capture a win, securing only six top-five finishes and two poles. The No. 48 machine, a car once synonymous with Jimmie Johnson’s run of championships, could not rise to Hendrick Motorsports’ historical standard of excellence. Recurring issues on pit road and questionable tactical calls late in races often punctuated the team’s struggles, leaving Bowman and his crew lagging behind more successful garage-mates Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott.
This string of underwhelming results pushed Rick Hendrick and his leadership team to undertake far-reaching personnel changes. According to Jayski, nearly the entire No. 48 team roster will be replaced apart from three figures—Alex Bowman, crew chief Blake Harris, and spotter Kevin Hamlin—who will stay as the foundation for this new chapter.
“The No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team will have plenty of new faces on it in 2026. Mainly, Alex Bowman, crew chief Blake Harris, and spotter Kevin Hamlin are the only returning members.”
– Jayski, Source
Alex Bowman Addresses the Overhaul Following Difficulties
Alex Bowman did not shy away from discussing the failures of the previous season and how they influenced the team’s dramatic shakeup. Entering 2025 with momentum from a single win at the Chicago Street Course in 2024, Bowman’s journey took a downward turn as victories eluded him throughout the year. Despite tremendous work ethic, widespread issues—described by Bowman and others as consistently “messy”—on track and in the pits routinely sent the team backward, disrupting any pursuit of a championship run.
Within Hendrick Motorsports, Bowman’s struggles became more apparent against the backdrop of his colleagues’ successes, particularly as drivers Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott continued to headline the organization. The imbalance in team performance forced the No. 48 group to fight persistently for relevance inside the competitive environment of one of NASCAR’s most celebrated organizations.
“There’s no secret last year was a big struggle for us, and we’ve made an immense amount of changes to try to be better for 2026,”
– Alex Bowman, Driver
“Everything from the top down, really, with the exception of me, Blake, and (spotter) Kevin (Hamlin), has been a change. So, all new faces on the team.”
– Alex Bowman, Driver
Despite the far-reaching nature of the changes, Hendrick Motorsports’ senior leaders continue to show confidence in the core trio of Bowman, Harris, and Hamlin. Their decision to retain these three members underscores a belief that productive communication and veteran leadership remain vital assets. Instead, attention now turns to the rest of the operation—strategists, crew, and support staff—where new additions are expected to transform execution and consistency.
This overhaul signals a philosophical change at Hendrick Motorsports, long known for promoting gradual staff development. The bold move to reconstitute nearly the entire team lineup for the No. 48 car highlights a new, results-driven direction, suited to the intense pressures and expectations of modern NASCAR competition.
Hendrick’s Broader Commitment: Team Culture and Community Investment
Beyond the racing sphere, Rick Hendrick is guiding widespread organizational investment designed to benefit both Hendrick Motorsports and the greater North Carolina community. A central element of this project is the soon-to-open Atrium Health Levine Children’s outpatient clinic, which will be located directly on the Hendrick Motorsports campus. This $70 million healthcare facility is set to provide advanced pediatric services, symbolizing not only the company’s devotion to the well-being of its employees and neighbors, but also the kind of forward-thinking leadership Rick Hendrick has become known for.
The new facility and recent campus improvements pay homage to the influential figures who have shaped Hendrick Motorsports’ story, particularly legendary crew chief Ray Evernham. Evernham, celebrated for guiding Jeff Gordon to three historic titles, played a pivotal role in the original design of the organization’s headquarters, an influence now echoed in this new phase of growth.
Hendrick’s vision—blending track excellence with corporate responsibility—envisions more than championship banners. By making substantial investments in both infrastructure and people, he ensures that Hendrick Motorsports remains an industry benchmark and sought-after workplace for top talent. The alignment of top-tier racing operations with community-focused initiatives, such as the Atrium Health partnership, amplifies the organization’s influence beyond motorsports, enhancing its reputation among fans and contributors alike.
2026: High Expectations and Renewed Energy for No. 48
As the freshly restructured No. 48 team prepares to embark on the 2026 NASCAR season, all eyes will be on whether Rick Hendrick’s approach yields the turnaround he envisions. The combined expertise of Bowman, Harris, and Hamlin offers an experienced nucleus, while a completely refreshed supporting staff brings promise of increased energy and innovative perspectives inside the garage.
Meanwhile, the opening of the Atrium Health Levine Children’s clinic on the team’s home campus not only signals investment in the future of the company, but also reinforces Hendrick’s impact as a community leader and role model for organizational stewardship. The commitment to both competitive success and broader influence sets the stage for an era defined by dual ambitions—winning on the track and enriching the broader North Carolina region.
With a storied history that includes multiple championships and some of NASCAR’s most recognizable stars, Hendrick Motorsports now faces a period of transformation and opportunity. The decisive moves of Rick Hendrick amount to a blend of aggressive internal change and notable external development, charting a path forward that honors legacy while adapting boldly to the demands of the present era.
The No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team will have plenty of new faces on it in 2026. Mainly Alex Bowman, crew chief Blake Harris and spotter Kevin Hamlin are the only returning members. https://t.co/86dzZzRHep
— Jayski (@jayski) January 25, 2026
The No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team will have plenty of new faces on it in 2026. Mainly Alex Bowman, crew chief Blake Harris and spotter Kevin Hamlin are the only returning members. https://t.co/86dzZzRHep
— Jayski (@jayski) January 25, 2026
