MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Report by Managing Editor Jacob Seelman for Race Chaser Online — Getty Images photo — Alex Bowman will drive the No. 5 Dirty Mo Radio Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series next weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Both driver and team owner took to Twitter to announce the news after it was revealed on the weekly JRM podcast this afternoon.

“I’m so stoked to be a part of @JRMotorsports and drive the #5 @DirtyMoRadio car at Charlotte. Thanks for the opportunity @DaleJr!” Bowman expressed.

Both Earnhardt and JR Motorsports rookie Chase Elliott were quick to welcome Bowman with open arms and a lot of enthusiasm headed into next weekend.

“It should be a fun weekend,” Junior said on Twitter following the announcement. “We’re just gonna see what we can do with him (Bowman) behind the wheel.”

“I’m excited for him,” Elliott added. “It’s a very well deserved opportunity in my opinion.”

Next weekend will be Bowman’s first-ever start with JRM in the Nationwide Series. His best career series finish was a third-place effort during Daytona Speedweeks in 2013, behind the wheel of the RAB Racing No. 99 machine. That car has been piloted by James Buescher this season.

Bowman has competed primarily in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this season for BK Racing, and sits 35th in points headed to this weekend’s event at Kansas.