May 13, 2026, 6:30 PM CUT

Alex Bowman’s HMS Future in Focus Amid Corey Day Buzz

With the silly season right around the corner, it is almost time for the teams to make their decision about their lineup for the 2027 season. And a lot of eyes are locked on Alex Bowman as rumors surrounding his future with Hendrick Motorsports have begun.

If last season wasn't tough enough, this season made it worse for Bowman's situation, especially at the start. After his forgetful finishes in the first three races till COTA, he got sidelined for four races after suffering from vertigo.

Due to this, he missed out on crucial points and currently sits in 34th place in the drivers' championship. That couldn't have been worse, but luckily, his back-to-back third place finishes at Talladega and Texas have helped.

However, Bowman last visited victory lane in 2024. The talk about the #48 getting replaced by HMS rising star in the NOAPS, Corey Day, has already started circulating.

While discussing the silly season on the Door, Bumper, Clear podcast, the 23XI Racing spotter Freddie Kraft pointed out how Day could potentially replace Bowman.

“Talking about Corey Day, talking about silly season’s kind of ramping up, now you hear a lot of s***, I would have thought Corey Day was a year away from getting in the 48 car or at least getting a chance to get in the 48 car. I think that there are some serious conversations about whether he might get in that car next year now.”

WATKINS GLEN, NY - MAY 09: Corey Day 17 Hendrick Motorsports HendrickCars.com Chevrolet during the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA OReilly Auto Parts Series Mission 200 at the Glen on May 9, 2026, at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, NY. Photo by Orry Perce/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAY 09 NASCAR OReilly Auto Parts Series Mission 200 at The Glen EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2605091876

Corey Day has been impressive this season so far. He is currently standing in fifth place in the O’Reilly Series. Day has bagged nine top tens and four top fives this season so far. He recently won the race at Talladega.

These statistics have caught Rick Hendricks' eye. It will be interesting to see if Hendrick Motorsports gives Alex Bowman a chance or takes a gamble with Corey Day.

Can Bowman continue his recent momentum?

The 33-year-old's performance this season has been under serious scrutiny. However, he might find relief at the Coca-Cola 600, as it is a track that is well-suited for him.

During the race at the 1.5-mile oval in 2024, he finished in 9th place. During stage one of the race, he was running in third place and looked in a position to win the race.

So far since his comeback, Bowman has clinched two top-three finishes in the last three races. It will be interesting to see if he can manage to put the chatter surrounding his future in the team to rest in the upcoming few races.

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason