If you’re wondering who owns the 88 car in NASCAR, the answer is one of the sport’s most successful teams. The iconic number 88 car in NASCAR’s Cup Series is currently fielded by Hendrick Motorsports, with driver Alex Bowman.
But the story of this famous number is much richer than its current entry. Ownership of the car and the rights to use the number have shifted between teams and sponsors over decades. This creates a fascinating history that intertwines drivers, teams, and corporate partnerships.
This article will give you a clear answer and then take you through the complete journey of the No. 88. We’ll cover its legendary drivers, its championship moments, and how it became one of the most recognizable numbers on the track.
Who Owns The 88 Car In Nascar
Today, the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is owned and operated by Hendrick Motorsports. The team, founded by Rick Hendrick, is based in Concord, North Carolina. Hendrick Motorsports holds the NASCAR charter for the car, meaning they have a permanent entry in the Cup Series.
The team fields the car, manages its crew, and handles all competition aspects. However, the commercial rights to the number are often linked to a primary sponsor. For many years, that sponsor was the National Guard and later, Mountain Dew and Axalta. The current primary sponsor for Alex Bowman’s campaign is Ally Financial.
So, while Hendrick Motorsports owns the *competition* assets of the car, the *branding* and sponsorship have shared ownership in a commercial sense. This partnership model is standard in top-tier NASCAR racing.
The Current Era: Alex Bowman And Ally Financial
Alex Bowman took over the wheel of the No. 88 car in 2018, following the retirement of Dale Earnhardt Jr. His tenure has solidified the car’s status as a consistent playoff contender. Bowman has secured multiple Cup Series wins, including prestigious victories at venues like Charlotte Motor Speedway and Richmond Raceway.
The partnership with Ally Financial has been a cornerstone of this era. Ally signed on as the primary sponsor, providing the funding necessary for a top-tier operation. This long-term deal brought stability to the car after several sponsor changes.
Here are key details about the current No. 88 team:
- Driver: Alex Bowman
- Team Owner: Rick Hendrick (Hendrick Motorsports)
- Crew Chief: Blake Harris
- Primary Sponsor: Ally Financial
- Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Bowman’s driving style, known for its smoothness and consistency, has meshed well with the team’s engineering strength. They continue to be a formidable combination each race weekend.
A Brief History Of Number Ownership In NASCAR
To fully understand who owns the 88 car, it helps to know how number ownership works in the sport. Unlike some racing series, NASCAR does not “retire” numbers for teams. Instead, numbers are licensed by NASCAR to team owners.
The number stays with the team owner as long as they compete with it in the premier series. If a team ceases operations or doesn’t use the number for a period, the number can become available for other teams to license. This system has allowed iconic numbers like the 3, 43, and 88 to have long, storied histories across different organizations.
Key points about NASCAR number ownership:
- Numbers are assigned by NASCAR to the car owner, not the driver.
- The owner must use the number in the Cup Series to retain rights to it.
- Sponsors often have input on number selection for branding purposes.
- The history and reputation of a number can add significant value to a sponsorship package.
The Storied Journey Of The No. 88 Car
The No. 88’s history predates its time at Hendrick Motorsports by many years. It has been associated with several legendary figures and memorable moments, creating a legacy that adds to its prestige.
Early Appearances And Ralph Earnhardt
The number 88 first appeared in NASCAR’s top series in the 1950s. One of its earliest notable drivers was Ralph Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s father. He piloted a No. 88 car in what was then the Grand National series, primarily on short tracks in the Carolinas.
This early connection to the Earnhardt family is a poignant piece of trivia, foreshadowing the number’s future. Other independent drivers and small teams used the 88 sporadically throughout the 60s and 70s without achieving major, sustained success.
The Robert Yates Racing Dynasty
The No. 88 truly rose to prominence under the ownership of Robert Yates. A legendary engine builder and team owner, Yates formed Robert Yates Racing (RYR). In 1996, RYR expanded to a two-car team, fielding the No. 88 Texaco Havoline Ford for driver Dale Jarrett.
This move launched the most successful chapter for the number before its move to Hendrick. Dale Jarrett and the No. 88 team became a powerhouse, achieving the following:
- 1999 NASCAR Cup Series Championship: Jarrett won the title, bringing the number its first championship.
- Daytona 500 Victories: Jarrett won the “Great American Race” in 1996 and 2000 while driving the No. 88.
- Multiple Major Wins: The team accumulated 28 of Jarrett’s 32 career wins in this car.
The bright red and black Texaco scheme became one of the most iconic paints schemes in the sport. After Jarrett’s departure, drivers like Ricky Rudd and Shawna Robinson drove the RYR No. 88, but it never quite recaptured its championship form.
The Merger With Dale Jarrett Inc.
An interesting twist in ownership occured in the mid-2000s. Robert Yates Racing merged with Dale Jarrett’s own team, Dale Jarrett Inc., which was running the No. 44 car. This merger consolidated resources but the team continued to campaign the No. 88 with sponsorship from UPS and drivers like Dale Jarrett and later, David Reutimann.
The Hendrick Motorsports Acquisition
The landscape shifted dramatically in 2007. Hendrick Motorsports, seeking to expand to a four-car team, needed an additional car number. They aquired the owner’s points and the rights to the No. 88 from the struggling Robert Yates Racing organization.
This move was strategic. Hendrick wanted a strong, recognizable number for their new driver signing: Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR’s most popular driver. Junior was leaving his family’s team, Dale Earnhardt Inc., and the No. 88 was chosen for his fresh start.
The choice was symbolic. It connected Dale Jr. to the number his grandfather, Ralph, had driven. It also provided a clean break from the No. 8 he used at DEI, which was tied up in legal disputes. A new era for the 88 was born.
The Dale Earnhardt Jr. Era: A Cultural Phenomenon
From 2008 to 2017, Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove the No. 88 for Hendrick Motorsports. This period transformed the number from a respected winner into a mainstream icon. Junior’s immense fan base, known as “Junior Nation,” transferred their allegiance to the 88.
The car’s sponsorship was a major deal, initially with the National Guard and Amp Energy. Later, it was primarily associated with Mountain Dew and the Nationwide Series (now Xfinity) sponsorship. Despite facing pressure, Earnhardt Jr. delivered key victories for the team, including two Daytona 500 wins (2004 in the No. 8, and 2014 in the No. 88).
His 2014 victory in the No. 88 Chevrolet was particularly emotional, ending a long winless streak at the sport’s biggest event. While a Cup championship eluded him at Hendrick, Junior’s time in the 88 cemented the number’s place in popular culture and brought unprecedented attention to the team.
Key Sponsors Through The Years
The ownership story of the 88 is incomplete without discussing its sponsors. They provide the financial engine that allows the team to compete. Here’s a timeline of primary sponsors for the Hendrick Motorsports No. 88:
- 2008-2011: National Guard / Amp Energy (Dale Earnhardt Jr.)
- 2012-2014: National Guard / Diet Mountain Dew (Dale Earnhardt Jr.)
- 2015-2017: Nationwide Insurance / Axalta (Dale Earnhardt Jr.)
- 2018-Present: Ally Financial (Alex Bowman)
Each sponsor brought its own identity and paint scheme, making the 88 one of the most visually diverse cars on track. The shift to Ally Financial marked a move to a full-season, single primary sponsor, which is rare and highlights the value of the number.
How Team Ownership Works At Hendrick Motorsports
Hendrick Motorsports is structured as a multi-car team, with Rick Hendrick as the principal owner. He holds the NASCAR charters for all four of his cars (Nos. 5, 9, 24, and 48). Each car has its own dedicated crew, crew chief, and engineering support, but they share resources from a central organization.
This includes state-of-the-art fabrication shops, wind tunnel access, and a massive engine department (Hendrick Motorsports Engines). This structure allows for economies of scale and knowledge sharing that benefit every car, including the No. 88.
The day-to-day competition decisions for the No. 88 are made by its crew chief, Blake Harris, in consultation with Alex Bowman and the team’s leadership. Rick Hendrick sets the overall vision and provides the resources, but he trusts his managers and competition directors to execute the plan.
The Role Of A NASCAR Charter
Since 2016, the concept of a charter has been critical to understanding team ownership. A charter is a permanent entry in the Cup Series field, guaranteeing a spot in every race and a share of the prize money. Hendrick Motorsports owns one charter for each of its four cars.
This system stabilizes team finances and adds significant asset value to the organization. Owning the charter for the No. 88 is a key part of Hendrick’s ownership claim. It means they have a secured, long-term stake in the series with that specific number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about the ownership and history of the No. 88 car.
Who Owned The 88 Car Before Hendrick Motorsports?
Before Hendrick Motorsports, the No. 88 was owned by Robert Yates Racing. Dale Jarrett drove it to a championship in 1999. The team also fielded it for drivers like Ricky Rudd and David Reutimann before Hendrick acquired the rights before the 2008 season.
Does Alex Bowman Own The 88 Car?
No, Alex Bowman does not own the No. 88 car. He is the driver contracted to race it. The car is owned by Hendrick Motorsports, the racing team founded by Rick Hendrick. Bowman is a key part of the team but not an owner of the entry.
Why Did Dale Earnhardt Jr. Choose The Number 88?
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Hendrick Motorsports chose the number 88 for a few reasons. It was available for license from Robert Yates Racing. It also provided a fresh start from his previous No. 8, and it had a family connection as his grandfather, Ralph Earnhardt, had raced with the number decades earlier.
Has The Number 88 Won A NASCAR Championship?
Yes, the No. 88 car has won one NASCAR Cup Series championship. Dale Jarrett won the title in 1999 while driving the No. 88 Ford for Robert Yates Racing. The number has not won a championship under Hendrick Motorsports ownership yet.
Can A Sponsor Own A NASCAR Car Number?
A sponsor cannot directly *own* a car number in the official NASCAR sense. Ownership of the number is held by the team owner (like Rick Hendrick). However, a sponsor can have a contractual agreement that gives them significant branding rights and often a say in the number selection as part of their sponsorship package. For all intents and purposes, during their sponsorship term, the car is associated with their brand.
The Legacy And Future Of The No. 88
The story of who owns the 88 car in NASCAR is a tale of evolving ownership, legendary drivers, and powerful sponsors. From its early days with the Earnhardt family to its championship glory with Robert Yates Racing and its pop-culture zenith with Dale Earnhardt Jr., the number carries immense weight.
Today, that legacy is stewarded by Hendrick Motorsports and driver Alex Bowman. They are tasked with adding new chapters to its winning history. The partnership with Ally Financial provides a stable foundation for the future.
As NASCAR continues to evolve, the No. 88 remains a constant symbol of competetive excellence and fan passion. Its ownership may be clearly defined on paper, but its true identity is written on the track, season after season, by the drivers who race it and the fans who cheer for it.