Alex Bowman, representing Hendrick Motorsports, has openly shared how the impact of Jimmie Johnson, his former teammate and seven-time Cup Series champion, has shaped his achievements at Dover Motor Speedway. Citing the Jimmie Johnson influence on Alex Bowman, he explained why Dover stands out as his most consistent and successful track within NASCAR competition.
Since moving to the No. 48 Chevrolet following Johnson’s retirement from full-time racing in 2021, Bowman has made remarkable progress at the challenging 1-mile oval in Dover. Detailing his growth, Bowman said,
“I always circle this place. I love this racetrack. I enjoy it. I learned a lot from being teammates with Jimmy here. I was pretty terrible until then, and I learned a lot from him. We went on a run where we didn’t finish outside the top five for forever, like until last year, really. Yeah, it’s been a good place for us,”
—Alex Bowman, driver.
Over six consecutive starts at Dover, Bowman has placed among the top five finishers five times, demonstrating a notable stretch of performance that includes his breakthrough win in May 2021. In that race, he led 98 laps to the checkered flag, fending off fellow Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson. Across his Dover career, Bowman boasts an impressive record: one victory, five top-five finishes, and six top-ten placements, complemented by 142 laps led and an average finish of 17.1 at the venue.
Legacy of Success for Hendrick Motorsports and Johnson at Dover
The legacy of dominance by Hendrick Motorsports and Jimmie Johnson at Dover has set a high benchmark for drivers like Bowman. Johnson’s remarkable record at the track includes 10 victories and nearly 3,000 laps led, making him one of the most prolific drivers in Dover history. In parallel, Hendrick Motorsports has maintained a formidable presence, amassing 22 race wins, 81 top-five results, 127 top-ten finishes, and leading over 7,600 laps at this oval, solidifying a culture of excellence that Bowman continues to uphold.
Bowman’s Determination and Confident Mindset for Upcoming Dover Race
Bowman has not only inherited Johnson’s car, but also embraced a mindset of confidence and adaptability at Dover. Last year, he was sidelined from the Cup Series event due to a back injury after a crash in West Burlington, Iowa. Upon his return, Bowman stormed from ninth to finish eighth, showcasing resilience and adaptability even without leading a single lap. Discussing his connection to the venue, Bowman remarked,
“This is just a place where I feel like maybe it’s a little more natural or maybe I have a better idea of exactly what I need to be successful. I can say that all I want, and we can unload and struggle this weekend, but I feel like it’s a place that I’m pretty confident going to,”
—Alex Bowman, driver (via Seedway Digest).
Approaching the critical juncture of the NASCAR season, Bowman is ranked 12th in Cup Series points standings, tallying 10 top-ten and four top-five finishes so far. He sits narrowly ahead of Ryan Preece on the playoff cut line, with only six regular season races left to solidify his postseason berth.
What’s Next at Dover and Beyond
The AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway is scheduled to commence at 2 pm ET on Sunday, July 20. With the guidance of his former teammate still resonating, Bowman aims to build on his track record and secure another impactful result for Hendrick Motorsports. As the stakes rise with every event, Bowman’s growth under the Jimmie Johnson influence remains a key storyline to watch as the Cup Series heads into its final regular season stretch.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Jimmie Johnson pass?
A. Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson have had a complicated relationship for over 13 years, experiencing more changes than NASCAR track turns. Johnson describes their connection as “awkward” and “interesting.” Initially, Johnson admired Gordon, a four-time Sprint Cup champion, but later achieved five championships himself.
Q. Did Jimmie Johnson ever win a Super Bowl?
A. He won the Super Bowl twice with teams XXVII and XXVIII. He was named AP NFL Coach of the Year in 1990 and is recognized in the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor. Additionally, he led his team to a national championship title in 1987.
Q. Is Jimmie Johnson a Hall of Famer?
A. Jimmie Johnson, who is in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, achieved one win and nine top-10 placements in 18 races at Sonoma Raceway. His 2010 victory was his only win on a road course.
Q. Is Jimmie Johnson in the Hall of Fame?
A. Jimmie Johnson has won the NASCAR Cup Series championship seven times and is now part of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
