Stewart Haas Racing drivers finding new homes during this silly season was for some time believed to be the big move this year. However, the rumor mills are running in overdrive again, pointing toward the biggest shuffles in 2025. Surprisingly, it’s Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman, expected to take an exit from the team.

So basically, these talks about Bowman’s uncertain future started with Brett Griffin’s statement on the DBC podcast show. The industry veteran opined, “I’d say Alex Bowman is out, and he may be out in more than just the playoffs if he’s out first round.” Adding fuel to this fire was journalist Austin Konenski, who believed the #48 was in the hot seat.

“I’ve been skeptical about the entire thing, but it’s been getting louder. Definitely think the seats are warm. The 2026 season could also be a better idea? Very fluid NASCAR silly season stuff!” stated Konenski on X. It has to be noted that although Bowman secured his playoff spot with a win at Chicago, he hasn’t exactly turned heads with his performances on the racetrack.

Just to give you a fair idea, Kyle Larson is currently at the top of the playoff standings, even though he lost the regular season championship to Tyler Reddick by a single point. Up until now, the driver has had four wins, 10 Top5s and 13 Top 10s in 25 stars. His teammate William Byron won the Daytona 500 this year, picked up two more wins, eight Top-5s and 13 Top-10s. While Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman are mostly on par with one win each, seven and six Top-5s, 12 Top-10s each, the #9 has an upperhand with a championship win in his pocket.

Additionally, Elliott has finished in the Top-10 every single time since joining HMS in 2015—except last season when he missed six races after a snowboarding accident. Bowman, on the other hand, achieved that feat just once 2020 when he finished sixth. Akin to Elliott’s misery, Bowman also missed race in 2022 and 2023 due to a concussion and back injury respectively.

Perhaps the win at the Chicago street race was the lucky break the #48 needed. Still, Bowman sits 12th with the least amount of points among his teammates.

Observing from an outsider’s perspective, it seemed evident that the relationship between HMS and the driver was thriving. Going by the recent development, Mr.H and the team could make changes before the start of next year. Moreover, this also opens the door for further speculation and prediction – who will replace Alex Bowman in the #48 Chevy? And the popular vote for the time being is Kyle Busch.

Fans want Rowdy to rejoin forces with Hendrick Motorsports

While Busch and Richard Childress Racing have turned a corner for good since the Olympic break, he might want to reconsider his future with the team. The driver might be in his final years before retiring and wouldn’t want to continue as a mid-pack driver in 2025.

Busch is bound by the contract with RCR that runs until the end of 2025. The only way to jump ship is if someone is willing to break the bank and buy him out of his contract. This is something NASCAR’s winningest racing organization can pull off. “Imagine Rick buys out Kyle’s RCR contract and Kyle goes back to HMS 😂 CHAOS.”

Earlier in the season, the 2-time Cup Series champion had detailed keeping his options open after constant struggles at RCR. “If [Hendrick Motorsports] welcomed me back, I would go back.”

However, given his unceremonious exit from HMS in 2007, it might be unlikely. Busch’s rowdy outbursts back in the day strained his relation with Rick Hendrick. However, as the driver has toned down since, it’s not very unlikely either.

Some predicted that he could take up the No. 84 car as the #5, which he raced in, is now led by Kyle Larson. However, they will need Jimmie Johnson’s grace for this move, as he might plan to run a part-time feature next year. “I mean, Kyle Busch in the #84 Hendrick Chevrolet sponsored by Ally sounds interesting.”

Not everyone was thrilled by these speculations, but rather baffled at seeing the state of flux within the Cup Series garage. “What in the world is going on today? First, someone started saying that there were told KFB was going to 23XI and now DBC says bowman is out of the 48.”

Now it is difficult to confirm this news, and rumors keep floating on social media. But the mere idea of Busch ending his mediocre run at RCR to get into competitive racing, winning team was enough for his fans to get excited. “Kyle Busch to the 48 confirmed. Per my top secret source.”

Even loyal Bowman supporters had caught on to the air of uncertainty regarding his future at HMS. They even laid down the team where he could perhaps become a lead driver with a decorated crew chief at his disposal. “Honestly, back before they won Chicago, I was thinking it would be nice if Bowman could somehow end up somewhere like Spire.”

Given how entertaining and full of surprises this silly season has been, this news is certainly exciting for the fans. Thus, this development could cause a ripple effect on teams and the driver moments in 2025.