There is something deeply symbolic about the No. 48 car at Hendrick Motorsports. It is not just a number; it represents a legacy. Under Jimmie Johnson, the 48 earned seven Cup Series championships, becoming one of the most dominant cars in NASCAR history.

So when a driver like Alex Bowman steps into that seat, there is instant expectation and a heavy sense of history tied to every lap. As former driver and Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon put it, “There’s a lot of pride specifically for the 48, when you look at the seven championships that have come from that car.”

That brings us to the main story. Jeff Gordon has publicly expressed his desire for Bowman to improve and continue honoring the 48’s rich history. Bowman has shown flashes of speed this year, such as his pole run at Homestead, but he has yet to find victory lane this season.

Gordon acknowledged the team’s progress while also emphasizing the importance of results. “If you just look at their performance where they’ve been running, okay, the win column didn’t come yet… I think they have, but you’ve got to get the results,” he said.

Gordon’s remarks show both confidence and accountability. He believes in Bowman and his crew chief, Blake Harris, but he also reminds them that success at Hendrick is measured in wins.

At Homestead-Miami, Bowman secured the pole, led several laps, and stayed in the top five nearly all day. Gordon pointed to that performance as a sign that the team is trending in the right direction. He emphasized that Hendrick Motorsports continues to fully support the 48 program, saying, “This is our guy… we’re happy to see them doing well.”

Still, setbacks have tested that optimism. In October 2024, when the 48 team was disqualified after the Charlotte Roval race, it was a painful moment that reinforced a tough truth that the No. 48’s championship legacy does not guarantee modern-day results. Bowman’s steady driving and resilience keep him competitive, but the bar at Hendrick remains extraordinarily high, especially because of its other drivers.

There were rumors of Bowman’s No. 48 seat being in danger, but Rick Hendrick shut those down as he showed his confidence in the 32-year-old. He said, “That team is working hard on getting better everywhere. There’s a tremendous amount of focus on the 48, because of our sponsor and just our pride…I think Alex will have a good year next year.”

Looking ahead, Bowman and the 48 team will be watched closely but also supported internally. Gordon made it clear that the infrastructure, talent, and tools are in place — now it is about execution.

For Bowman, each race weekend offers another opportunity to bring the 48 car back into the championship conversation. The expectation is immense, but so is the potential. The legacy of seven titles continues to hang over the team, reminding them of what the 48 once was and what it can still become.

Fans, however, have their own theories about why Bowman’s season has struggled. Many took to Reddit to voice frustration, placing the blame not on Bowman but on his team leadership.

All fingers pointed at HMS

“Alex is not the problem. Blake has made awful calls all year. They wouldn’t have won Chicago had it not been for Alex’s tire strategy call,” one fan wrote. The Chicago win came in chaotic, wet conditions, and Bowman reportedly made the key tire call that sealed the victory.

Despite flashes of brilliance like poles at Homestead and Bristol, many fans believe poor pit strategy has cost the team consistent finishes. Harris, now in his third year atop the pit box, has a strong background but has faced scrutiny after several mid-race adjustments backfired.

Others believe the issue runs deeper. “Hendrick seems to always have two really good cars, then the other two are just kinda average. Unfortunately, Bowman and Elliott got the average cars this year,” another fan commented. Statistically, that claim holds some weight.

Kyle Larson, in the No. 5 car, captured the 2025 Cup Series title, while William Byron remained one of the most consistent front-runners. In contrast, Bowman went winless, and Chase Elliott scored multiple podiums but failed to break through for a victory. The disparity in performance has led some to speculate that certain Hendrick teams may receive more technical focus or engineering advantages than others.

Then there’s the ongoing debate about the “real” 48. One fan humorously claimed, “That 48 isn’t the real 48, it’s the old Dale Jr. 88. The 5 is the real 48.” While that statement is more tongue-in-cheek than factual, it stems from a real timeline. When Jimmie Johnson retired, the 48’s internal team structure merged with elements of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s former 88 crew.

Ally Financial, Johnson’s final sponsor, wanted to remain with Hendrick and opted to continue with the 48 branding. Although a viral theory suggested Ally chose the 48 because 48 percent of its auto loans were in default, there is no factual basis for that claim; it is purely a social media joke. Still, these comments show how deeply fans connect the identity of the number to its storied past.

Through all of this, Gordon remains loyal and patient. “One of the things I’ve always loved about Gordon is his loyalty to all of HMS, not just the boss,” another fan wrote. Gordon’s support for Bowman stands out because it reflects the long-term philosophy Hendrick Motorsports has built its success on, believing in talent and giving it time to mature.

Gordon has praised Bowman’s raw ability on multiple occasions, pointing to his poles and consistent top-10 runs as proof that the speed is there. In his view, the key is patience and execution, not panic.

Still, whispers about the future continue. Fans are already speculating about Corey Day, Hendrick’s developmental driver, who currently races part-time in the No. 17 Xfinity car. “They’re not running Day in the 17 in Xfinity to develop him for another team,” one commenter noted.

“Process of elimination, but I’d anticipate Alex is on borrowed time.” While that remains fan speculation, it reflects the sense of urgency surrounding the 48. Bowman’s contract runs through 2026, but his winless streak and the rise of younger talent like Day could make his future uncertain if results do not improve soon.

In the end, the debate comes down to perception versus progress. The fans see missed opportunities and inconsistent results, while Gordon sees potential and patience. Bowman continues to push forward, balancing the weight of a legendary car number with the modern demands of a hypercompetitive NASCAR era. The 48 may not be the unstoppable force it once was, but with Gordon’s guidance and Bowman’s persistence, the chase for redemption is far from over.