10-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Clint Bowyer announced on Twitter Thursday night that he won’t return to Stewart-Haas Racing next season and instead will join FOX Sports as an analyst beginning with the 2021 Daytona 500.
“I have a new opportunity (to) do what’s next in my life,” Bowyer’s tweet read. “In 2021 my suit will no longer be fireproof.”
For weeks, there has been speculation surrounding the Emporia, Kan. native’s future, but with Thursday’s announcement, reality is setting in that Bowyer has just five more races as a driver in the NASCAR Cup Series.
“I’ve sat in race car prepared by some of the very best men and women the sport has to offer,” added Bowyer. “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.
“Just like my driving career, I will be part of a great team and organization with great teammates. To say I’m excited would be an understatement.
“You bring your friends to the track. Curtis Nelson, Chip Williams and I have 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 (Xfinity) Series Championship. I’m proud and satisfied of what I accomplished as a driver.
“I want to thank everyone 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 to every fan who has cheered me along the way!”
“Opportunity……..FOX here I come!”
Bowyer has driven the No. 14 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing since 2017. Two of his 10 Cup Series triumphs were with Stewart-Haas Racing, most recently at Michigan International Speedway in 2018.
The 41-year-old Bowyer has competed for just four NASCAR Cup Series teams since entering the top division in 2005.
He graduated from the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Richard Childress Racing then moved to Michael Waltrip Racing in 2012 before a single year at HScott Motorsports in 2016 before taking the seat for Tony Stewart who retired from Cup Series competition at the end of the 2016 season.
Bowyer’s best year was 2012, where he finished second in the final championship standings and scored a season-high three wins. MWR folded at the end of the 2015 season amidst the fallout of a cheating scandal at Richmond Raceway in September.
In addition to his SHR driving duties this year, Bowyer has been a regular in the FOX Sports booth. During their broadcast portion of the season, Bowyer was a regular analyst for the Xfinity Series.
He also was spotlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic break as the in-race driver for the FOX broadcasted short-term eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series season.
In 16 years of Cup Series competition, Bowyer has 536 starts to his credit, four poles, 10 wins, 82 top-five and 224 top-10 finishes to his credit. He is one of few drivers who has driven for all three active manufacturers in NASCAR, Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota respectively.
Bowyer is facing elimination from the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 12 in this Sunday’s Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Currently, he is 11th in the standings but 38 points below the cutoff spot currently held by Ford Performance driver Joey Logano.
2020 is the fifth consecutive season that a Stewart Haas Racing seat has opened at the sports’ top level.
Bowyer replaced Tony Stewart starting for the 2017 season, Aric Almirola took over for Danica Patrick in 2018, Daniel Suarez for Kurt Busch in 2019 and Cole Custer instead of Suarez in 2020. Now, a replacement is needed for Bowyer for 2021.
Stewart Haas Racing has not named a replacement for Bowyer, but current SHR Xfinity Series superstar Chase Briscoe is likely the leading candidate to take over the No. 14 Ford Mustang next season.
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) October 8, 2020
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
