Jeff Gordon backs Alex Bowman as Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s replacement in 2018
INDIANAPOLIS — Jeff Gordon has given his seal of approval to Alex Bowman taking over Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s ride at Hendrick Motorsports in 2018.
Gordon, the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion who spent his entire 25-year career at Hendrick and was a teammate of Earnhardt's for eight of those, got to watch Bowman, 24, up close and personal last season when the two took turns filling in for Earnhardt in the No. 88 Chevrolet after Earnhardt was forced to miss the second half of 2016 because of concussion symptoms.
Gordon, who officially retired in 2015 before driving eight races in place of Earnhardt last season, told The Indianapolis Star that Bowman was a fantastic choice to become the next driver of the No. 88 Chevrolet.
RELATED COVERAGE:
Alex Bowman will replace Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2018
Who is Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s replacement at Hendrick Motorsports, Alex Bowman?
Why Dale Earnhardt Jr. backed Alex Bowman to replace him next year
“I think he’s a great choice," Gordon said. "He’s young. He got in the car last year and did an amazing job. The team liked working with him, and Junior has really supported it and so have the sponsors and the fans. I think all the way around it’s a win-win for everybody.
He did such an amazing job behind the wheel. I know what that car was like. I drove it last year (for eight races). We started improving our performance when I was in the car, but then Alex went to Phoenix and sat on the pole and had an excellent chance at winning that race. He’s just a great driver, and I think it’s going to be fun to watch.”
Bowman drove the No. 88 10 times last year, beginning July 17 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He tallied three top-10 finishes, culminating with a sixth-place run after starting from the pole in the penultimate race of the season at Phoenix Raceway.
Gordon posted a best finish of sixth at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 30.
Contributing: Ellen J. Horrow
Ayello writes for the Indianapolis Star, part of the USA TODAY Network.
PHOTOS: JEFF GORDON THROUGH THE YEARS
