As the NASCAR Cup Series approaches its critical Daytona race, Hendrick Motorsports playoff hopes Daytona now depend on Alex Bowman’s performance in Saturday’s showdown. Bowman is holding onto a provisional playoff spot with a slim points margin and faces a complex scenario where both his future and his team’s postseason fate hang in the balance.
Bowman’s Season So Far and The Playoff Math
Since the 2022 season, Alex Bowman has maintained a consistent 10.4 average finish at Daytona, highlighting his capability on superspeedways. Entering this weekend’s contest, he sits on the edge of making the playoffs, with a 60-point lead over Chris Buescher. However, Bowman is also 29 points behind Tyler Reddick. For Reddick, a ninth-place result or better would guarantee advancement to the next stage regardless of Bowman’s outcome. If Saturday’s race brings a new winner who has not already qualified, only one among the bubble drivers will secure a spot in the postseason.
The Only Hendrick Driver Without a Win This Year
Among Hendrick Motorsports‘ lineup, Bowman stands out as the only driver yet to claim a victory in the current campaign. In his time with the team, he has only missed the playoffs once before, in 2023, a year marked by missed races due to a spring injury after leading the points standings. That setback forced a must-win situation that ultimately slipped through their grasp.
This season has brought its own frustrations. Bowman has expressed regret over missed opportunities at Homestead and Richmond, and felt capable of winning at Texas and Kansas if not for misfortune and damage. Reflecting on the campaign so far, Bowman remarked,
“So, we’ve had plenty of races that we’ve had winning cars. But unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out for us this season. We haven’t had that perfect day yet.”
—Alex Bowman, Driver
Dealing With Pressure and Managing Expectations
Leading up to Daytona, Bowman’s schedule has been packed, giving him little time to dwell on the playoff implications. This relentless pace, he admits, may be a blessing under the intensity of the playoff push. Still, the weight of expectation is not lost on him. As Kelly Crandall reported,
“I am incredibly stressed out.” —Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) August 20, 2025
Bowman has openly acknowledged the unpredictable nature of Daytona, where much often lies beyond any driver’s control. Despite these uncertainties, he remains determined to maximize every opportunity, avoid costly errors, and trust in his and his team‘s ability to perform under pressure.
What’s at Stake for Hendrick Motorsports and Bowman
With drivers like Tyler Reddick and Chris Buescher still in mathematical contention, every lap and every point at Daytona matters. For Hendrick Motorsports, Bowman represents the organization’s last opportunity to secure a full lineup in the playoffs. His confidence in superspeedway racing—paired with a realistic view of both the risks and possibilities—means all hopes are pinned on his performance in this pivotal race.
The outcome in Daytona will determine whether Bowman and his No. 48 team advance or whether Hendrick Motorsports sees its playoff hopes dashed for one driver. As the green flag approaches, the tension and stakes have rarely been higher for Bowman and everyone counting on him to deliver when it counts the most.
