Alex Bowman has candidly discussed how the progression of the NASCAR Cup Series, as well as the intense competition among top drivers, has shaped his ongoing challenges with maintaining strong, consistent finishes. Sharing his personal journey within Hendrick Motorsports and reflecting on the state of the sport, the driver highlights both the excitement and the relentless pressure associated with the modern era of racing, bringing focus to the Alex Bowman NASCAR Cup Series evolution at the heart of his experiences.
A Journey from Underdog Teams to Racing’s Biggest Stage
Bowman’s passion for racing was clear from his earliest days competing with smaller, lesser-funded outfits such as BK Racing and Tommy Baldwin Racing. His career trajectory changed dramatically when he joined Hendrick Motorsports, spending the last eight years at one of NASCAR’s most dominant organizations. Notably, Bowman was hand-picked by Dale Earnhardt Jr. to drive the No. 88 after the 2017 season—a significant endorsement after Bowman had temporarily filled in for Earnhardt in 2016 due to Junior’s concussion. Though Bowman sat out much of that year without a ride, his reputation as a reliable driver was established, even amid uncertainties about his future with the team.
Even in seasons with disappointment, including 2023 when he missed the playoffs and finished twentieth in the standings, team owner Rick Hendrick continued to renew Bowman’s contract. Despite moments of self-doubt, Bowman has consistently remained a part of Hendrick Motorsports’ plans—a testament to his commitment and adaptability.
Motivation Rooted in Self-Improvement and Facing Pressure
When asked about what keeps his competitive fire burning in such an unforgiving environment, Bowman did not hesitate.
“Probably just continuously trying to be better,”
he revealed. —Alex Bowman, Driver. He expanded on the demanding realities of racing at this level, stressing both the fulfillment and the strain that come with competing among the best.
“But it’s so hard and so competitive, and there’s so much pressure all the time that it becomes work. And then you think winning solves everything, or winning will make everything better. And it really doesn’t, because you still have to go the next week. You can still get your a** kicked just as bad the next week.”
—Alex Bowman, Driver.
Consistency Hurdles in an Intensified Field
Despite ample resources and talent at his disposal, Bowman continues to grapple with the challenge of delivering steady results. In his time with Hendrick, he has claimed eight Cup race victories; however, the path from one race to the next remains unpredictable. Cases in point from the 2025 season include a second-place finish at Homestead, followed immediately by placements of 27th at Martinsville, 35th at Darlington, and 37th at Bristol. Similarly, a fifth-place showing at Kansas was offset by a sequence of disappointing finishes at Charlotte, Nashville, and Michigan.
The Cup Series: Racing’s Constantly Rising Bar
Bowman recognizes that these inconsistencies are partly due to the unprecedented competitiveness of today’s Cup field.
“So it’s just the grind of continuing to try to train harder, find new things, and be faster,”
he stated, outlining how the sport’s standard has evolved. —Alex Bowman, Driver. He further described the technological parity and mutual motivation occurring among all competitors:
“All the tools we all have access to now, everybody’s gotten so much better and everybody pushes each other. The field is so close. All the cars are the same.”
—Alex Bowman, Driver.
As each season unfolds, drivers like Bowman must not only contend with seasoned rivals—such as those from organizations like Tommy Baldwin Racing or BK Racing—but also adapt to developments across prominent tracks like Kansas, Martinsville, Bristol, and Michigan. This new normal means that even for seasoned drivers, maintaining consistency is an ever-moving target.
With the Cup Series showing no signs of slowing in its ongoing evolution, Alex Bowman’s reflections offer insight into the mindset and resilience required to remain competitive. As the series grows more challenging each year, Bowman’s pursuit of improvement and consistency embodies the spirit of NASCAR’s top-tier drivers—ever striving, adapting, and racing toward elusive stability in a field where every small advantage is hard-won and perennially at risk.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Alex Bowman have a brain injury?
A. After winning, Bowman told NBC, “I had a back injury and a brain injury, and we haven’t done well since then.”
Q. How did Alex Bowman get brain injury?
A. In 2022, Bowman started well by securing the 2nd position in the Daytona 500 qualifications. However, during lap 63, he crashed into Harrison Burton’s flipping car.
