Clint Bowyer to Drive for HScott Motorsports in 2016

It was finally confirmed that the always energetic Clint Bowyer will drive for HScott Motorsports in 2016 before joining forces with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2017 replacing a retiring Tony Stewart.

Bowyer had been looking for a ride ever since the beginning of August when Michael Waltrip Racing announced that they will be shutting their doors following the 2015 season. 5-hour ENERGY will follow Bowyer for 24 out-of-the 36 points races as he moves over to HScott Motorsports.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” Bowyer said in a press conference on Friday at Dover. “It’s a big deal for me. It’s my life. It’s my career, and you want to make sure that you don’t mess it up. When one door closes, another opportunity opens up and you’ve got to make sure that you get the best of it for yourself and your partners.”

Harry Scott, the owner of HScott Motorsports is in the process of completing his second season as a Cup Series car owner. In the first two seasons his teams have had speed. The end results have just not been where he’d like.

In providing Bowyer a ride for just one season, Scott believes that Bowyer has what it takes to make his team elite.

“I think Clint will help us long-term because he’s basically going to be able to help us reset our program and set the bar higher,” Scott said. “He’ll help us form an even stronger relationship with Stewart-Haas and that, obviously, will be beneficial for us. This is a really important step for HScott Motorsports and one I felt our team needed to take to elevate to the next level of NASCAR Sprint Cup competition. Clint is a proven winner and Chase participant. This opportunity has brought an unprecedented level of excitement to our entire organization.”

HScott Motorsports has formed a technical alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing for 2016. Bowyer and future teammate Michael Annett will have virtually the same equipment as drivers like Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch are currently running and both of them have won multiple races in 2015.

Currently, Justin Allgaier is the driver of the No. 51 for HScott Motorsports. He is the only driver on the team who has uncertain future. It is undetermined on whether or not HScott Motorsports will actually run three cars at the Cup level as such a young team.  

“We haven’t ruled out anything on 2016 and beyond,” Scott said. “I’m not prepared to give an answer on that now.”

With Bowyer only staying one year at HScott Motorsports the future is uncertain. However, Bowyer is confident that he can help take the race team to the next level.

“I don’t want to leave Harry with nothing after this. When I leave there, I want to leave him having a winning organization,” Bowyer said.

The car number and crew chief have not yet been determined for next season. 

Dustin Albino