Alex Bowman has recently highlighted how Hendrick Motorsports is drawing inspiration from Kyle Larson‘s strategy tested months ago at World Wide Technology Raceway. This decision comes after HMS faced challenges at Gateway, prompting a reassessment of their approach. As the team seeks to improve its short-track performance, the reliance on past insights raises questions about their tactical evolution. How will these strategies influence their competitiveness in the upcoming races?
Key Highlights
- Alex Bowman emphasizes the importance of the insights gained from Larson’s test at the World Wide Technology Raceway for future races.
- The data collected during the WWTR test has refined Hendrick Motorsports’ short-track strategy, enhancing team confidence.
- HMS is focusing on tactical implications from Larson’s performance to improve their competitiveness at Gateway and beyond.
- Bowman’s reflections highlight the need for tactical adjustments to catch up with dominant teams like Team Penske.
- Despite struggles at Gateway, the team is committed to leveraging Larson’s strategy for better results in upcoming races.
Alex Bowman on Larson’s Test Strategy
As Alex Bowman reflects on the tactical implications of teammate Kyle Larson’s recent test, he emphasizes the significance of the insights gained for Hendrick Motorsports’ upcoming performance at Gateway.
Larson’s months-old test at the World Wide Technology Raceway has proven essential in reshaping the team’s short-track strategy. The data collected has allowed the crew to refine their approach, which Larson believes will instill confidence across the board, particularly leading into future races.
“Obviously, we all have leaned on the test quite a bit; uhm, hopefully it works out and benefits us as a whole. It’s been a weak racetrack for us as a group, so yeah, we’re banking a lot on that to see us in the right direction.” – Alex Bowman
Bowman’s acknowledgment of the test’s importance highlights a collective reliance on shared knowledge within the team, marking a significant moment for HMS. He articulates a hopeful outlook, understanding that leveraging this intelligence could play an important role in overcoming past challenges at Gateway and improving their competitive edge.
HMS Struggles at Gateway
Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) has faced prominent challenges at Gateway, a trend that has raised concerns among its drivers and fans likewise.
The organization has struggled to find competitive speed, leading to disappointing finishes. Key observations include:
- Qualifying Difficulties: Kyle Larson has consistently faced challenges in qualifying sessions, limiting his race-day potential.
- Inconsistent Results: Teammates’ results varied greatly, with finishes ranging from P10 to P28, underlining the lack of unity within the team.
- Future Focus: The HMS drivers are determined to alter their fortunes, eyeing a stronger performance at Iowa as an opportunity for redemption.
.@TeamHendrick's @WilliamByron, @Alex_Bowman and @KyleLarsonRacin spoke to media on the team's recent struggles, Larson's Gateway tire test and their mentality for Sunday's race. pic.twitter.com/aMAbfbts7w
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) September 6, 2025
Bowman Reflects on Phoenix Challenges
Reflecting on the challenges faced at Phoenix, Alex Bowman openly addressed the clear edge that Team Penske held during the race. He acknowledged that while HMS competitors, including himself, struggled considerably, Team Penske drivers exhibited superior performance throughout both stages.
“We’ve really struggled there [at Phoenix], but at the same time, we — to be blunt — just have a lot of work to do there, to catch the Penske cars. They’re incredibly fast there.” – Alex Bowman
With Bowman qualifying in P16, the disparity became apparent as he noted Penske’s skill, particularly with Joey Logano’s eventual victory marking his third Cup Series title.
The HMS lineup, featuring drivers like Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, failed to capitalize on their starting positions, resulting in only William Byron finishing in the top five.
Bowman’s insights highlighted not only the competitive gap but also the need for tactical reassessment as HMS looks to close in on their rivals in future events.
Bowman on Catching Penske
Following the challenges faced at Phoenix, Alex Bowman expressed a straightforward assessment of the gap between his team and the dominant Team Penske. He acknowledged the considerable distance that still separates Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) from their Ford counterparts.
“We have been getting to work, trying to improve that stuff. So a lot of smart people back at HMS working on it.” – Alex Bowman
To bridge this gap, Bowman identified three critical areas for improvement:
- Performance Optimization: Enhancing the speed of the cars to match Penske’s impressive pace.
- Data-Driven Approaches: Leveraging insights to refine setups and race strategies based on past performances.
- Collaborative Innovation: Harnessing the expertise of HMS personnel to develop new solutions and technologies.
Bowman’s honest remarks reflect a commitment to continuous improvement, emphasizing the need for tactical adjustments to remain competitive in the dynamic landscape of NASCAR.
Bowman’s 2025 Season So Far
The 2025 season has been a mixed bag for Alex Bowman, as he currently sits 15th in the Cup Series points standings with 2,008 points.
With 14 top-ten finishes and six top-five results in 27 starts, Bowman’s consistency is remarkable; however, his inability to clinch a victory highlights a critical gap in performance.
The absence of wins suggests challenges in translating strong qualifying and race pace into the ultimate success. His two pole positions indicate potential, yet the lack of success raises questions about strategy and execution.
As the season progresses, Bowman must refine his approach to capitalize on these promising finishes and ultimately secure that hard-to-reach win, which could greatly influence his standing and momentum.
News In Brief: Alex Bowman Reveals HMS Leaning on Larson’s Months-Old WWTR Strategy
As Alex Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports adopt insights from Kyle Larson’s earlier strategy, the team’s renewed focus on short-track performance may prove crucial in overcoming past struggles. By leveraging data from the World Wide Technology Raceway test, HMS aims not only to improve their competitiveness but also to regain ground against tough rivals like Penske. Bowman’s reflections on the challenges faced at Phoenix highlight a determined drive towards improvement as the 2025 season unfolds, promising an intriguing narrative ahead.
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