Alex Bowman‘s struggles at the 2025 Michigan NASCAR race intensified as a poor opening stint and subsequent crash led to frustration both on and off the track, with many fans openly decrying his performance as “unacceptable” and “embarrassing.” The latest setback at Michigan International Speedway on June 8 marked another tough moment in a season already filled with disappointment for the Hendrick Motorsports driver.
Bowman’s Rocky Start Frustrates Michigan Crowd
Competing in the #48 Chevrolet Camaro for Hendrick Motorsports, Alex Bowman entered the FireKeepers Casino 400 without a race win in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, ranking 12th in points—well behind his teammates who occupied top-five spots. Early in the race, Bowman reported an unsettling vibration in his car, and Ally Racing later shared:
“Caution is out for Stage 1. @Alex_Bowman says he had zero to lean on with the right rear and had a vibration at the end of the run. P32,” Ally Racing wrote.
Fans, already concerned by Bowman’s season-long struggles, reacted sharply to his initial run, especially as he slipped down the order and appeared unable to challenge the frontrunners. Comparisons were made unfavorably to Rick Ware Racing, underscoring the expectations for a Hendrick Motorsports entry.
“UNACCEPTABLE for the car to be that f**king bad. We are HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS racing around Rick Ware Racing. Like what the f**k. It’s time for a change and start with Blake (Harris). Embarrassing!!!” the fan said.
“Embarrassing performance from the 48 team,” another fan commented.
Bowman’s lackluster showing continued a trend from earlier races, and some on social media considered the campaign lost even though only half the regular season had passed.
“Pack it up season over,” an X user stated.
“48 is gonna miss the playoffs at this rate,” another fan claimed.
“Alex made a mistake taking a chance on Blake. He’s just not a good CC (crew chief)…. He’s just not. They have no chemistry to fix the car ever! Very rarely do they. But Blake just isn’t the guy I’m sorry,” one fan said.
“This team has consistently failed Alex week in and week out. Love him in the 48, but I would not be surprised at all if he leaves for a better opportunity,” another X user commented.
Major Crash Forces Early Exit from Michigan Race
Bowman’s race at Michigan International Speedway ended abruptly on lap 67 of stage two when his #48 car’s front left was struck by the #41 Ford driven by Cole Custer. The collision forced Bowman hard into the wall head-on, resulting in heavy car damage and the red flag being deployed. He was taken to the infield care center for evaluation and was released soon after, fortunately escaping injury.
Alex Bowman Reflects on Difficult Stretch
After his release from the infield care center, Alex Bowman spoke candidly about his tumultuous season to pit reporter Kim Coon of Amazon Prime. His Michigan crash marked his third Did Not Finish (DNF) of the year, deepening concerns over his playoff prospects and overall team performance.
“Couldn’t really do anything except, ‘Oh s**t, it’s about to hurt, really. Yeah, hate that. Hate that for our team. It’s been a rough two months so just got to keep digging.” —Alex Bowman, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Bowman’s comments mirrored the emotional turbulence seen on social media, where fans and pundits discussed the enduring difficulties faced by him, his crew chief Blake Harris, and the entire #48 team at Hendrick Motorsports. Questions about team chemistry and leadership were raised repeatedly, as fans like those on X questioned whether a shakeup—possibly starting with crew chief Harris—could remedy the situation.
Looking Ahead to the Viva Mexico 250
Bowman’s next opportunity for redemption will come at the inaugural Viva Mexico 250, hosted at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. This race marks an important new stop on the NASCAR Cup Series calendar and is the penultimate event for Amazon Prime’s broadcast schedule, which concludes at Pocono Raceway the following week. For Alex Bowman, the coming races represent critical chances to salvage his season, reestablish his standing on the track, and address the mounting unrest among his supporters and team stakeholders.
The fallout from Michigan International Speedway leaves Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports under intense scrutiny, as the campaign heads into its latter stages with the #48 car’s playoff hopes in serious doubt.
