Hendrick Motorsports has completely reshaped the Alex Bowman No. 48 changes ahead of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, revamping the roster just days before the new season. This overhaul comes after a disappointing 2025 season marked by winless races and an early playoff departure for Bowman and his crew.
Hendrick Motorsports Responds to Disappointing Year
Alex Bowman faces a pivotal year with Hendrick Motorsports after finishing 13th in the standings last season, making him the first of the four HMS drivers ousted in the Round of 16. Unlike his teammates who each secured at least one victory, Bowman’s No. 48 Chevrolet failed to claim a single win in 2025. Despite achieving 16 top-10 finishes, the team endured its lowest average finish since Bowman joined HMS, fueling demands for significant changes.
Key Staff Moves Target New Direction
NASCAR mechanic Bozi Tatarevic detailed the staffing shakeup on social media, revealing several major adjustments across critical team positions:
“A lot of changes for the No. 48 of Alex Bowman: Nick Kerlin now becomes the Car Chief, replacing Josh Kirk. Engineer Jonas Bell joins the 48 from Kaulig. Alex Mueller replaces Carl Haag as Mechanic. TJ DiBlasi replaces Michael McAndrews as Interior Specialist.”
The only senior staffers returning from last season are crew chief Blake Harris and spotter Kevin Hamlin. Nick Kerlin steps into the car chief position, bringing familiarity with both Hendrick Motorsports and Blake Harris, creating a crucial bridge between old and new faces. Jonas Bell transitions from Kaulig Racing to oversee engineering, focusing on real-time data analysis and tuning the car for optimal performance. Alex Mueller will handle the suspension, drivetrain, and repairs between sessions, while TJ DiBlasi becomes responsible for cockpit systems and interior management.
Bowman and Harris Address the Team Overhaul
Alex Bowman did not shy away from describing the fundamental reset, emphasizing that the overhaul impacts nearly the entire team and reflects the urgency to improve for the coming year.
“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,” Bowman said. “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. Just trying to be better. So it’ll be interesting to get everybody working together and trying to jell, but I’m excited to get to the race track and get to work and get going on it.”
The extensive shift comes as Bowman enters a contract year, with the team’s 2025 struggles underscored by his status as the lone Hendrick Motorsports driver without a win. Both management and driver recognize the need for a different approach to reverse the No. 48’s fortunes.
Hendrick Motorsports Adjusts Lineups Across the Board
The No. 48 is not alone at HMS in seeing offseason changes. Over on Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet, Thomas Heslink, previously the car chief for Bowman, replaces Sean Kerlin as a mechanic. However, the rest of Elliott’s group remains stable as they gear up to defend a win at the Bowman Gray Clash. Kyle Larson’s No. 5 crew retains its core, including engineer Nathan Woodby, supporting continuity for the current Cup Series champion heading into the season’s kickoff event.
Tight Deadlines and High Expectations
For the overhauled No. 48 team, chemistry has to build quickly, as the season-opening Clash at Bowman Gray is just days away. The condensed timeline highlights the pressure to turn new personnel into a cohesive, high-performing pit crew almost overnight. Crew chief Blake Harris acknowledged the dual nature of the staff changes—both the result of departures and the opportunity to freshen up the pit box with new recruits.
“We had a few guys that have moved on to other opportunities, some within the company,” Harris said in the same interview. “So that gave us the chance to restructure some over the winter. We’ve got a lot of good guys on board. So I’m looking forward to having those guys and a few new mechanics as well.”
Blake Harris’ optimism is matched by the sense of urgency surrounding this reset. With the start of the 2026 campaign imminent, it remains to be seen how quickly the new-look No. 48 can come together and contend, especially as Alex Bowman approaches the final year of his contract. His most recent win was at the Chicago Street Course in 2024, making the need for immediate improvement clear.
What’s at Stake for Bowman and the No. 48 Crew
As the NASCAR Cup Series returns, the Alex Bowman No. 48 changes stand out among offseason moves, drawing attention to Hendrick Motorsports’ willingness to make bold decisions. The fresh roster signals both a response to last year’s outcome and a commitment to striving for excellence in 2026. With challenging events like the Bowman Gray Clash on the horizon, all eyes are on Bowman, Harris, and their largely new crew to demonstrate that these adjustments can quickly transform frustration into success on the track.
A lot of changes for the No. 48 of Alex Bowman:
-Nick Kerlin now becomes the Car Chief, replacing Josh Kirk.
-Engineer Jonas Bell joins the 48 from Kaulig.
-Alex Mueller replaces Carl Haag as Mechanic.
-TJ DiBlasi replaces Michael McAndrews as Interior Specialist. pic.twitter.com/Ozvvm8R8Nn— Bozi Tatarevic (@BoziTatarevic) January 27, 2026
