Alex Bowman has embraced his challenge head-on. After two tumultuous years marred by injuries and growing concerns about his future in racing, he’s now stepping up for a showdown that promises to be unprecedented. As a driver for Rick Hendrick, Bowman is not just trying to keep up; he’s proving himself as a formidable contender alongside his high-achieving teammates. His recent performance at Kansas Speedway highlighted significant disparities in performance among the team, showcasing Bowman’s resurgence.
Despite a lackluster start to the season, save for a strong showing in Chicago, Bowman is hitting his stride just when it matters most. This late-season surge has led to speculation among NASCAR analysts, with many now viewing him as a potential threat to Kyle Larson. After the Round of 12, Bowman boldly stated, “We’ve got to have 10 good races. We’ve just got to keep digging.” However, his team seems to be striking gold, particularly at the Hollywood Casino race, where playoff drivers faced a myriad of challenges, including tire issues and pit crew blunders. Larson, for instance, encountered trouble early on with a blown right tire that hindered his pace, while Chase Elliott also faced setbacks on pit road.
In contrast, Alex Bowman navigated these obstacles with ease. Starting from 12th place, he quickly moved into the top ten and even won the second stage, marking his first stage win of the season. NASCAR analyst Eric Estepp praised Bowman’s performance, noting, “A very clean race for Bowman who once again earned points in both stages. This round shapes up really nice for Alex Bowman, and this team has a ton of momentum.” The No. 48 team turned a seven-point playoff deficit into an eight-point advantage, signaling a major shift in momentum.
Estepp further asserted that Bowman might soon overtake Larson’s lead, saying, “He could get to Phoenix—the way they are running right now, absolutely. Way too consistent, and driving for Hendrick Motorsports comes with championship pedigree.” After finishing sixth at Kansas, Bowman is optimistic about maintaining his momentum as he heads to Talladega. Acknowledging the challenges of the famed track, he said, “Obviously, Talladega… it is what it is. We just need to focus on the things that we can control. The rest is just kind of a part of racing. So focus on things that we can do and go from there.”
Bowman’s resilient mindset is propelling him toward potential victory. He’s channeling the struggles of the past into motivation, determined to silence any remaining doubters. Since 2022, he has faced a rollercoaster of challenges, including a concussion that cost him five playoff races and led to his exit in the Round of 12 that year. In 2023, he suffered a fractured vertebra that sidelined him for three additional races in the spring. Despite these setbacks and the steep learning curve associated with the Next Gen car—characterized by lower horsepower and a larger wheelbase—Bowman is finally finding his footing in 2024. His no-nonsense approach has been pivotal in his resurgence, possibly even fueled by the unfounded rumors surrounding his position.
Reflecting on his journey, Bowman expressed relief and optimism as he strives to overcome past hurdles. Before the Kansas race, he noted, “I don’t want to look back and use those races (I missed) as an excuse, but it certainly wasn’t good. It’s nice to feel like we’ve overcome that stuff a little bit and feel like we’re pointed in the right direction at least. I feel like we’re finally executing at the level we should be across the board. I don’t know if we’ve necessarily caught up, but maybe we’ve figured out what I like in the Next Gen car a little bit better lately.”
It’s clear that Bowman is establishing himself as a legitimate playoff threat, and his resilience presents a serious challenge to Kyle Larson within their own team. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Bowman to see how he continues to craft his narrative of success. His unwavering determination and newfound momentum could very well make this season one for the books, setting the stage for a thrilling playoff battle.
Alex Bowman Sets to Spoil Kyle Larson’s Comeback Season
