The Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 team Michigan crash impact at Michigan International Speedway significantly reduced Alex Bowman‘s playoff margin, turning a points advantage into a precarious battle near the cutline. The incident, which forced Bowman out of the race and damaged his standing, comes at a critical juncture as the NASCAR season nears its conclusion.
Shift from Playoff Comfort to Uncertainty
Arriving at Michigan International Speedway with a comfortable buffer above the playoff cut, the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 team and Alex Bowman were dealt a heavy blow after a costly wreck during the FireKeepers Casino 400. The incident unfolded early in Stage 2, when Bowman’s No. 48 Chevrolet struck the SAFER barrier at high speed after getting caught up in a multi-car crash. The front of the car was severely damaged, leaving it immobile in Turn 2 and leading to a pause in the race for cleanup efforts at the spot.
The safety crew responded quickly, halting proceedings while Bowman, age 32 and in his eighth season with HMS, was able to step out of his car unassisted before being taken to the infield medical center for checks. Despite escaping injury, the crash left his car in ruins and drastically affected his points situation with the team, led by Hendrick Motorsports, now facing greater pressure as the regular season continues.
Details Surrounding the Michigan Crash
The crash occurred as Bowman was running in 29th place on Lap 67. A tangle between two Fords—the No. 2 car driven by Austin Cindric and the No. 41 piloted by Cole Custer—swept up Bowman’s Chevrolet and hurtled it into the outer wall. Chase Briscoe, the race’s pole winner, and Daniel Suarez of Trackhouse Racing were also involved in the resulting chaos. The Arizona native’s day ended soon after, leaving him with less than a single point collected and recording his third early exit from a race this season. It also marked his third finish outside the top 28 in as many weeks.
A Troublesome Trend for Bowman
Bowman’s recent string of results paints a worrying picture for fans and the team alike. In his last five starts, the driver has averaged a finishing position of 28.2, which matches the toughest run he has endured since joining Hendrick Motorsports. Enthusiastic observers have noted this record, underscoring how his recent form lags behind even less-experienced peers like Ty Gibbs, Carson Hocevar, and Noah Gragson.
Alex Bowman has an Average Finish of 28.2 over the last 5 races, which is tied for his worst 5 race-stretch since joining Hendrick.
Every Cup driver’s Average Finish over the last 5 races: pic.twitter.com/dKY4zTEYgF
— Daniel Céspedes (@_DanielCespedes) June 9, 2025
During this challenging stretch, Bowman has placed 27th or worse in seven out of his last nine races and failed to finish in three. This persistent downturn has contributed to the No. 48 team’s fall in the standings, erasing what was once a sizeable advantage.
Standings Take a Hit Amid Playoff Tension
Prior to the Michigan disaster, Bowman was ranked twelfth in points, carrying a cushion of about 40 markers above the elimination line. Following the crash, he dropped to thirteenth, now a slim 13 points clear of falling out of playoff contention. The sudden shift intensifies the pressure on Bowman and his team, as eleven regular season races remain before the postseason field is set. Every remaining race carries heightened importance, with little room left for mistakes or misfortune.
Playoff Race Grows Tighter for Hendrick Motorsports
The devastating crash at Michigan stands as a critical warning for the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 team, showing just how fragile playoff hopes can be in NASCAR’s unpredictable environment. With Alex Bowman and the team now facing increased scrutiny and reduced room for error, their upcoming performances will be closely watched as the drama builds toward the playoff cutline. The effects of the Michigan incident underline not only the ever-present risks in racing, but also the emotional and strategic toll such setbacks can impose on both driver and team when stakes are highest.
