Hendrick Motorsports tabs Alex Bowman as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s replacement in No. 88 car

Hendrick Motorsports has picked 24-year-old Alex Bowman to be Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s replacement next season.

Bowman has big shoes to fill.

Earnhardt was named NASCAR’s most popular driver each of the last 14 seasons, and his seat in the No. 88 car is one of the most coveted in the Cup series.

Bowman has one big fan already on his side: Junior. After announcing his retirement earlier this year, the 42-year-old Earnhardt tabbed Bowman as his logical successor in May.

Bowman has some experience in replacing Earnhardt. He drove 10 races for team owner Rick Hendrick last year when Earnhardt missed time because of a concussion. Bowman won his first career pole and posted three top-10 finishes in the No. 88 car.