Hendrick Motorsports has implemented strategic shifts across several of its teams ahead of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, with modifications primarily affecting Alex Bowman’s No. 48 group, while the Kyle Larson crew changes remain minimal. The adjustments come as HMS seeks to maximize track performance at the start of the season, opening with The Clash exhibition race next weekend.
Minimal Alterations for Larson’s Title-Winning Team
Hendrick Motorsports has opted to retain the championship-winning core that guided Kyle Larson to victory, maintaining stability as they approach the new racing year. However, the organization has enhanced track operations by transferring additional engineering resources to assist during race weekends. Notably, war room engineer Nathan Woodby will now be present at Bowman Gray throughout the season, offering on-site technical support. These calculated moves ensure Larson’s team benefits from continuity while leveraging HMS’s wider technical depth.
Significant Staff Changes for Alex Bowman’s No. 48 Team
The most substantial staff reassignments have taken place within Alex Bowman’s group, as HMS overhauls multiple key roles following a challenging season. Nick Kerlin will take on the Car Chief duties, filling the position vacated by Josh Kirk. Meanwhile, Jonas Bell joins as lead race engineer after previously working with AJ Allmendinger’s No. 16 team at Kaulig Racing. In the mechanic ranks, Alex Mueller is set to replace Carl Haag, aiming to bring fresh expertise. TJ DiBlasi assumes the interior specialist responsibilities from Michael McAndrews, ensuring all aspects of the race car’s operation are meticulously addressed.
Team Adjustments Affect Other Key HMS Drivers
Other changes within the Hendrick Motorsports umbrella include Thomas Heslink, who formerly served as Car Chief for Bowman, now transitioning to the No. 9 team to support Chase Elliott, replacing mechanic Sean Kerlin. NASCAR insider Bozi Tatarevic has drawn attention to these moves, which indicate a comprehensive effort to rebalance talent and experience throughout the organization’s teams.
Bowman Reflects on a Season of Struggle Amid Overhaul
Alex Bowman endured a difficult campaign in the 2025 Cup season, concluding in 13th position in the overall standings without a win and with only six top-five finishes. His year was hampered by declining performance metrics, highlighted by lower average starting and finishing spots compared to the year before. Securing a playoff berth required considerable effort, ultimately clinching the 16th spot by points after Ryan Blaney’s victory at Daytona. Mechanical setbacks, most notably an engine failure at the Bristol spring race, contributed to his woes. Consistent misfortune, especially with slow pit stops in crucial elimination rounds at Darlington and Gateway, kept Bowman from advancing past the Round of 16 during the Bristol Night Race.
“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. 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 said.—Alex Bowman, Driver
Enhanced Facilities to Support Performance and Recovery
In parallel to crew changes, Hendrick Motorsports has unveiled the Atrium Health Motorsports Athletic Center in Concord, a new 35,000-square-foot facility developed in partnership with Atrium Health. This sports medicine and training hub is set to provide medical care, performance optimization, recovery treatments, nutrition counseling, and sports science research for approximately 50 athletes and staff. The center aims to keep drivers and pit crews in optimal condition, speed up injury recovery, and minimize lost time associated with traveling for treatment. The facility reflects HMS’s commitment to the continual physical and mental development of its team members, as emphasized by Alex Bowman’s perspective following his crash in Michigan, noting the potential benefits such a center would have provided during his recovery.
The Broader Significance of Hendrick’s Decisions
The combination of targeted staff realignments—particularly regarding the Kyle Larson crew changes—and investments in well-being infrastructure signals HMS’s intent to maintain its competitive edge while adapting to fresh challenges. Stability for Larson’s team ensures minimal disruption for their championship aspirations, while bold moves within Bowman’s group seek a rapid turnaround. The new athletic center underpins these changes by prioritizing health and performance across the organization. With the 2026 season on the horizon, these efforts set the stage for potential improvements in both on-track results and off-track support at Hendrick Motorsports.
Some of the Bowman Gray rosters are up so we can start looking at changes for 2026.@DanielsCliff has kept the championship winning squad of @KyleLarsonRacin mostly the same but war room engineer Nathan Woodby is listed as going to the track at Bowman Gray. pic.twitter.com/6GEj48cKxL
— Bozi Tatarevic (@BoziTatarevic) January 27, 2026
Speaking with the @TeamHendrick drivers today, it’s clear that the new Atrium Health facility streamlines many things for them, especially recovery and nutrition.
Thoughts from Alex Bowman and William Byron. I need to transcribe Chase Elliott’s audio still, but he’s excited… pic.twitter.com/XS3C2jYhuI— John Newby (@JohnNewby_) January 22, 2026
