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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The JR Motorsports team announced the drivers who would run the #88 Xfinity car in future races. The candidates are Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and William Byron. However, many fans noticed that Alex Bowman was conspicuously absent from the line-up. Owing to that, many were outraged that JR Motorsports, and by extension Hendrick Motorsports, snubbed Bowman.

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Several of these fans took to Twitter and provided their take on the decision.

As per reports, Elliott will have his hands on the #88 car at the Darlington Raceway. Meanwhile, Byron will hop into the car in Texas and at New Hampshire. Finally, Larson will drive at Watkins Glen and on the second visit to the Darlington Raceway. All in all, the three Cup Series drivers will have five races in between themselves.

 

Of course, it was a little odd that Bowman was not included. However, there is a perfectly valid explanation behind his non-inclusion. Apparently, everything boiled down to everyone’s sponsors. Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Kyle Larson will all be racing under the Hendrick Cars banner.

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What about Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman?

As it turns out, Bowman has a deal with Ally, so if he competes in the Xfinity Series, they will sponsor him. Hence, it is highly possible that the sponsor will make a separate announcement for Alex Bowman. Amid the outrage at the supposed snub, fans pointed out Bowman’s Ally ties. As a result, it makes perfect sense for the driver to compete under their banner.

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At the end of the day, all four Hendrick Motorsports drivers will get a shot in the #88 Xfinity car. It is just a matter of when and where Bowman will compete in the Xfinity Arena.

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For now, though, Larson, Elliott, Bowman, and Byron are competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. Out of the quartet, only Elliott has yet to snatch a race win. However, we can be sure that one is definitely coming for him.