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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 07: Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, talks with Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, during qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on September 08, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 07: Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, talks with Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, during qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on September 08, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Without a doubt, Alex Bowman now has one of the hardest jobs on the NASCAR grid. He has the dreaded task of filling in the big shoes of Jimmie Johnson. This is in a literal sense, as Bowman is driving the #48 Chevrolet car for the new season. Since 2001, the #48 number has always been associated with Johnson.
Obviously, Bowman will be under a bit of pressure to live up to the legacy. Just recently, the Hendrick Motorsports team unveiled the new colors of the Ally #48 car for the 2021 season. In all honesty, the car itself looks quite striking, with a mix of deep violet with lavender, pink and cyan stripes.
Had fun working on this one… we went all out! Ready to rock the @allyracing colors this season 🤘🏼 pic.twitter.com/JBROdlaPAL
— Alex Bowman (@Alex_Bowman) January 15, 2021
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Grab your @Alex_Bowman 2021 wallpaper below! 👇 pic.twitter.com/G2D7rIoR8H
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) January 15, 2021
What lies ahead for Alex Bowman as he replaces Jimmie Johnson?
Of course, Bowman will try his utmost to not let the pressure get to him. He is a talented driver and enjoyed a great 2020 season. Last year, he absolutely dominated at the Autoclub Speedway in California to the top in practice. After qualifying third fastest, he went on to win the first stage and took the checkered flag at the end.
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 11: Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, walks to his car during qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 11, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
He was also the sixth fastest driver in the championship and one of Chase Elliott’s closest challengers. In 2021, though, there will be a new challenge, as Bowman seeks to improve on his sixth-place finish. Obviously, this task will not be easy, but the 27-year-old will definitely be up to the challenge.
Hendrick Motorsports is regarded as one of the best teams on the NASCAR grid. Owing to this, Bowman and his teammates will be one of the favorites to reach the playoffs and mount a stiff challenge for the title. On the other hand, there are teams like Stewart-Haas, Joe Gibbs, and Penske, who are just as quick.
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One thing is for sure, the 2021 Cup Series season will be just as competitive as it will be unpredictable.
READ MORE – Alex Bowman Reveals Difference Between Replacing NASCAR Greats Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr
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