The 2012 runner-up was announced as Stewart’s replacement for 2017 earlier this week, but he was without a drive for next year following Michael Waltrip Racing’s decision to downscale to a part-time operation.

Bowyer will spend one season racing for HSM, which has a technical partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing and Hendrick Motorsports.

“I am very thankful to Harry Scott Jr [team owner] for putting this opportunity together,” said Bowyer.

“There have been some real unknowns for me career in the past couple of months, but I’m happy that my future is secured and full speed ahead.”

Scott, whose team has competed full-time in NASCAR’s top level for two years, described signing Bowyer as “an important step”.

“I felt our team needed to take this step to elevate to the next level of NASCAR competition,” he said.

“For us to compete at a higher level we needed all of the right elements to come together.

“Clint is a proven winner and Chase participant – this opportunity has brought an unprecedented level of excitement to our entire organisation.”