Alex Bowman, piloting the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro for Hendrick Motorsports, has maintained a presence both on asphalt and dirt over the years. In fact, his own team, Alex Bowman Racing (ABR), has been active in sprint car racing since 2016, entering marquee events like the Chili Bowl Nationals. Fans have long tracked Bowman’s dual involvement in both these worlds. However, recent chatter on social media has added a new, surprising layer to this story.
Over the past few years, Bowman himself stepped back from active sprint car competition to focus on his NASCAR career. Leaving ABR’s dirt operations in the hands of trusted drivers, his continued journey in the Cup Series, though successful, has created speculation about his own brand. Observers and fans on Twitter have voiced curiosity and disbelief over what might be next for ABR.
And now, ABR announced that Alex Bowman Racing confirmed the sale of all its sprint car equipment, marking a significant strategic shift for the team. The confirmation came via a succinct post on X on September 17, 2025. “We sold all the sprint car stuff.” This was the only piece of information revealed in barely any words. This move effectively ends ABR’s active participation in dirt racing.
Meanwhile, Bowman still remains fully engaged in the NASCAR Cup Series with Hendrick Motorsports. Industry insiders note that the sale aligns with Bowman’s focus on his Cup career and reflects a broader trend of drivers streamlining their operations across multiple racing disciplines.
The implications of this move are still being debated. Without much of an explanation, theories are the best many have. While Bowman remains under contract with Hendrick Motorsports through 2026, the sale signals the end of an era for ABR’s sprint car operations. The idea could be to align the team’s priorities entirely toward asphalt competition.
Fans have flooded social media with reactions ranging from shock to disappointment. Many have expressed disbelief that a team with such a history in dirt racing would make such a decisive exit. The announcement has left the community pondering whether Alex Bowman might one day return to dirt racing or whether ABR’s focus will remain solely on NASCAR.
Fans still in disbelief
Fans were immediately surprised by the news on Twitter. Not many expected this from Alex Bowman, who has long balanced his NASCAR career with dirt racing. The suddenness of the announcement prompted some to worry about his personal health and safety.
One fan reacted, “WHAT?!? Were you checked and released from concussion protocol first??????” This response was a glimpse into just how perplexing the news was for many. It reflected the fan’s emotional investment in Bowman beyond racing. It showed that they connect his team’s decisions with his well-being, and highlights how unexpected the move felt to followers, blending concern with disbelief.
ABR cars were not a common sight, but certainly a fond one at marquee events. Many fans looked forward to seeing their sprint cars compete in upcoming events, including the Outlaw Tour next year. A fan expressed this sentiment, “Really was hoping to see your car on the outlaw tour next year.” The reaction demonstrates that ABR’s presence in dirt racing was highly anticipated.
It is also clear that the sale leaves fans disappointed about the lost experiences. It underlines the excitement and expectations the team had built in the sprint car community.
This is because ABR’s sprint cars were known not only for performance but for their distinctive style and craftsmanship. Over the years, they created a sense of attachment among fans. Reflecting this, one fan tweeted, “Why!!!! No..come on Alex that was a sweet car.” The fan’s reaction shows how valued the cars themselves were, both as racing machines and as symbols of ABR’s identity.
Some fans expressed a bittersweet perspective, appreciating their past experiences while regretting the loss. One fan noted, “Bummer. I always thought ABR had the best looking spring cars. Glad that I was able to see them in person a few times.” This response reflected both admiration for ABR’s sprint cars and an acknowledgment of the finality of the sale. It conveyed that the team made a lasting impression on spectators, reinforcing the cultural impact ABR had in dirt racing.
The brevity of the announcement left some fans seeking more context or explanation. The major reason for the disbelief stems from how quickly it all seems to have happened. One tweeted, “Wait what?! Rewind. Part of this story is missing.”
This reaction highlighted the uncertainty and desire for transparency surrounding the decision. It shows that fans are actively analyzing the situation, seeking clarity and fuller understanding beyond the initial announcement.
All in all, the fan reactions complement ABR’s significance in dirt racing in their own unique way, and the responses also foreshadow the intense discussion and curiosity that will likely continue on social media as the implications of the sale unfold.