By Jerry Jordan, Editor
MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Clint Bowyer confirmed Thursday evening via Twitter what many had been speculating and what he was asked directly about during a press conference earlier in the day – he is departing Stewart-Haas Racing at the end of 2020. But don’t despair, he isn’t going far.
“I have a new opportunity (to) do what’s next in my life,” Bowyer stated. “In 2021 my suit will no longer be fireproof.”
Bowyer has raced for all three manufacturers – Chevrolet, Toyota and Ford – and had wins with each of them. He got the call from Richard Childress Racing 16 years ago and made his debut at Texas Motor Speedway. It was a lackluster performance. On Lap 33, Bowyer would spin coming out of Turn 4 and then on the final lap his RCR #21 stalled on the backstretch when the engine blew. Since then, Bowyer has been to victory lane a total of 10 times in the Cup Series, eight-time in the Xfinity Series, three times in the Gander RV and Outdoors Truck Series and was the Xfinity Champion in 2008.
“I’ve sat in race car prepared by some of the very best men and women the sport has to offer,” he added. “Sharing victory lane with the people representing Richard Childress Racing, Kevin Harvick Inc., Michael Waltrip Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing is what it’s all about.”
Now, he will be taking on a new challenge. Bowyer confirmed he is going to the broadcast booth with NASCAR on FOX booth and is looking forward to the new role.
“To say I’m excited would be an understatement,” Bowyer wrote. “… I have had 16 years of more fun than anyone deserves. Been to places and met people I never would have dreamed of, and made friendships that will last forever. I was able to win races in all three premier divisions of NASCAR, and a Nationwide Series Championship. I’m proud and satisfied of what I accomplished as a driver.
“I want to thank every owner who has paid a bill on my behalf, every crew member who has turned a bolt on my cars and every media member who has covered my racing career. Thank you to every sponsor that has invested in me and thank you to every fan who has cheered me along the way. Opportunity … FOX here I come.
EDITOR’S NOTE: We reached out for comment from Stewart-Haas Racing but they have not yet responded to our request. We will update this article when we have their statement on Bowyer and his potential replacement.
I have certainly enjoyed watching you on the track for many years. Cheering for you in the #14 has been very special. I will really miss everything about you racing every week but of course wishing you the very best in your new as adventure at FOX. It will be a lot of fun following the races with you in the broadcast booth. Your excitement and personality will certainly bring a lot of fun during the race. I love the way you bring the color & enthusiasm to the race and everything that happens on & off the track. So best of luck to you & your family and I know you will do GREAT!!!! Thanks for all the on track memories & looking forward to hearing you in the booth. ????