For the first time in 19 years, a new name is set to be associated with the iconic No. 48 car at Hendrick Motorsports. Alex Bowman will move from the No. 88 team to the No. 48 team that Jimmie Johnson vacates at the end of the season. This settles one of the biggest talking points of NASCAR‘s Silly Season.

The team announced the development on Thursday. Jimmie Johnson was all praise for his successor of the car in which he won 83 races in the Cup Series.

Jimmie Johnson reserves high praise for Alex Bowman

Johnson spoke about Bowman’s development as a driver at Hendrick Motorsports. He highlighted Bowman’s tough start in the Cup Series, after which he established himself at the highest level.

“I look at Alex’s career and how hard he has worked to create opportunity and to maximize opportunity. I remember him being him in the Cup Series years and years ago just fighting for his job and driving off the wheels of the cars he was in there,” Johnson said of Bowman.

Johnson believes Bowman earned the opportunity to drive the No. 48 car.

“Then to see him develop as a driver and continue to apply himself more and more each and every year, to continue to mature and grow. He’s earned the right,” he added.

“He really has earned the opportunity to drive the 48 car. I believe he’s gonna do an amazing job behind the wheel,” Johnson said further.

Big shoes to fill for Alex Bowman

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Speaking about how he landed the new role and Johnson’s contribution, Bowman said, “Mr. Hendrick, when he told me I was gonna drive the 48, I was really excited.

“The transition to the 48 is gonna be a lot of fun. Jimmie’s been a huge help to me and a great teammate over the last couple of years and its really cool to get to take over that car.”

While Greg Ives continues as Bowman’s Crew Chief, Ally stays on as the sponsor of the new car. Reportedly, Ally also preferred Bowman to take over the No. 48 car.

Bowman also spoke about the opportunity to work with Ives,  who has a good idea about the 48 car.

“The opportunity to drive a legendary car like the 48 with incredible support from Ally, it truly can’t get any better. I’m excited to build on my relationship with Greg, who is a championship-caliber crew chief & knows first-hand what the No. 48 is all about,” Bowman said on the same.

Hendrick Motorsports will announce the new driver of the No. 88 car at a later date.