Watch CBS News

Stewart-Haas Racing Extends Clint Bowyer

Clint Bowyer has reached an agreement with Stewart-Haas Racing to return to the No. 14 Ford next season.

Bowyer has been with SHR for three of his 15 seasons in the Cup Series. His extension announced Thursday came as the Kansas native headed to his home track on the verge of elimination from the playoffs.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 - Day 1 - Practice
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 27: Clint Bowyer, driver of the #14 Rush/Cummins Ford, looks on during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on September 27, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)

Bowyer, from Emporia, Kansas, is 11th in the 12-driver playoff field going into Sunday's race at Kansas Speedway. The bottom four drivers in the standings will be eliminated after Kansas.

"I'm proud to be back with Stewart-Haas Racing next year and very happy to announce it the week leading into my home race," Bowyer said. "This is a team filled with racers who love to compete, and as a racecar driver, it's exactly where you want to be. Great equipment, great teammates, and we're all backed by great people."

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 1000Bulbs.com 500 - Qualifying
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 12: Clint Bowyer, driver of the #14 Rush/Mobil Delvac 1 Ford, stands on the grid during qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 1000Bulbs.com 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 12, 2019 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Bowyer was hired to replace team co-owner Tony Stewart following Stewart's retirement after the 2016 season. He made his 500th career start last weekend, has twice qualified for the playoffs driving for SHR, but likely needs to win at Kansas to keep his championship chances rolling.

"Clint Bowyer is a racer to his core who brings passion and energy to our race team," said Stewart. "He's exactly who I wanted to drive my No. 14 car, and we're very happy to have him continue with Stewart-Haas Racing."

© 2019 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.