Jeff Gordon remains steadfast in his support for Alex Bowman and the No. 48 team, even as they struggle through the 2025 NASCAR season. The absence of wins complicates their playoff expedition, with only a slim margin separating Bowman from top contenders. Despite these challenges, Gordon expresses confidence in their potential, citing solid performances and resilience. As the strain mounts, Bowman’s strong history under stress could play an essential role in the playoffs, illuminating their chances for success.
Key Highlights
- Jeff Gordon remains optimistic about the No. 48 team’s potential despite Bowman’s struggles and lack of victories in the 2025 season.
- The team has shown progress with over 10 top-10 finishes, indicating improved performance compared to previous years.
- Gordon emphasizes the importance of playoff points and pressure management for Bowman’s success as the postseason approaches.
- Bowman’s history of clutch performances under stress boosts confidence in his ability to rise to the occasion during playoffs.
- Support from Gordon and other figures in the NASCAR community helps maintain team morale amid challenges.
Alex Bowman’s 2025 Season: Grinding, Not Shining
Although the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season has been a challenging environment for Alex Bowman, his approach has emphasized resilience over flashiness. With no victories to display, Bowman has adopted a grinding mentality, focusing on consistent finishes rather than sensational performances.
This strategy has allowed him to remain in playoff rivalry, albeit with fewer points compared to frontrunners like Kyle Larson and William Byron. As the playoffs approach, Bowman’s name is less prominent, overshadowed by those who have taken advantage of opportunities.
However, his ability to maintain composure under stress and extract maximum performance from Hendrick Motorsports’ elite equipment could prove crucial. In a high-stakes setting, such tenacity may ultimately define his playoff expedition.
Jeff Gordon Goes All-In on the 48
As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season unfolds, the spotlight shifts from Alex Bowman’s steady, if unspectacular, efforts to the passionate backing of Jeff Gordon for the No. 48 team. Gordon’s steadfast support signals confidence in the team’s potential to outperform expectations in the playoffs. He emphasized their solid performances and competitive points accumulation despite the lack of victories.
“The team is solid, Blake’s doing a great job with Alex. I mean, if you just look at their performance where they’ve been running okay. The win column hasn’t come yet, and with this format, that’s an important piece of getting locked in. But if you just look at the points they’ve been scoring and where they’ve been running in the field, don’t be surprised if they go deeper than anybody anticipated in the playoffs. Now, hey, they’ve got work to do, right? You get behind as far as going into this first round.” – Jeff Gordon
Gordon’s belief in the No. 48’s capabilities could be the catalyst needed to turn the tide and secure a deeper playoff run.
🗣️ "Alex handles pressure well."@TeamHendrick Vice Chairman, @JeffGordonWeb has a lot of confidence in @Alex_Bowman and the @allyracing no. 48 team heading into the #NASCARPlayoffs.
Full Interview–> https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/FUZlw8zYoS
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) August 31, 2025
Progress, But Still a Steep Climb
While the No. 48 team has made notable progress in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, the path to playoff competition remains challenging.
With over 10 top-10 finishes and improved average results, Alex Bowman’s performance reflects growth compared to the previous year. However, the absence of a victory complicates his playoff trajectory, evoking memories of his 2021 struggles.
“Without those added bonus and playoff points, you’ve got a bit of an uphill climb. So I think there’s what, three or four teams, not just the ones that are on the outside looking in. If you go about it that way, you know what people post of, okay, we’re going into this round and these four are already knocked out, which I don’t necessarily agree with. But there’s definitely more pressure on those teams.”- Jeff Gordon
Jeff Gordon emphasizes the uphill battle, highlighting the significance of playoff points and the stress mounting on the No. 48 team. Despite these obstacles, Gordon maintains confidence in Bowman’s ability to thrive under strain, suggesting that his experience will be vital in the upcoming weeks.
The team’s recent performance indicates potential, but the climb to playoff rivalry remains steep.
“And I think there’s pressure on the 48, but I also have a lot of confidence. Alex handles pressure well. I was joking with him the other day, of anybody under pressure, he’s like, well, I’d probably have more experience. They’re going to utilize that experience these next three weeks and yeah, I just think the cars that they’re bringing and the performance that they’ve shown, I think they can definitely advance.” – Jeff Gordon
Bowman’s Clutch Factor
Clutch performances often define a driver’s legacy, and Alex Bowman has demonstrated an ability to excel under stress throughout his career. His track record illustrates a remarkable consistency in high-pressure situations, indicating his potential to thrive as the playoffs approach.
- 2020 Round of 8: Three top-5 finishes, nearly securing a Championship 4 berth.
- 2021 Martinsville victory: A crucial win that eliminated a key competitor, Denny Hamlin.
- Notable resilience: Often capitalizes on late-race opportunities, highlighting tactical skill.
- Strong Hendrick Motorsports support: Access to top-tier equipment amplifies his chances.
- Gordon’s endorsement: Confidence from a seasoned champion reflects belief in Bowman’s capabilities.
As the playoffs loom, Bowman’s clutch factor may be the catalyst for his breakout performance.
Gordon Isn’t Alone in Backing Bowman
The momentum surrounding Alex Bowman continues to build, with support coming from notable figures within the NASCAR community. Among them is Steve Letarte, a former Hendrick crew chief, who has championed Bowman on the NASCAR Inside The Race podcast.
Letarte emphasizes the unique intensity of the postseason, highlighting Bowman as a potential dark horse, particularly given the razor-thin playoff margins. With only 30 points separating Bowman from the top seed, the stakes are high.
“There’s no season like the post-season. The regular season is fine, but if you’re a fan of a team or a driver, you’re either elated because they have a chance or you’re reloading for next year.”
“I actually think the 48 can [advance past the first round]. I think Alex Bowman, while not flashy, did make it in. Let’s remember how he was eliminated a year ago. For the fan that has forgotten, he advanced out of the Roval when the checkered flag fell, and then, being too light in post-race inspection, eliminated him.” – Steve Letarte
Letarte brings attention to Bowman’s past struggles, particularly the devastating disqualification that lingered in his performance. This emotional weight could serve as motivation, suggesting that Bowman possesses the resilience needed to advance.
Letarte’s endorsement signals a collective belief in Bowman’s untapped potential amid adversity.
News In Brief: Jeff Gordon Battles On While HMS Star’s Playoff Struggles Drag On
As the playoffs loom, Jeff Gordon’s steadfast support for Alex Bowman amidst the struggles of Hendrick Motorsports demonstrates a commitment to resilience and teamwork. Despite the challenges faced this season, Bowman’s potential for clutch performances remains a lighthouse of hope. With Gordon’s tactical guidance and a focus on gradual improvement, the path ahead may be steep, but the resolve to overcome adversity is tangible. Together, they embody the spirit of perseverance that defines the essence of competitive racing.
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