In a season marked by inconsistent finishes, NASCAR analyst Kyle Petty has spoken out in favor of giving Alex Bowman more time with Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), emphasizing the unique value Bowman brings to the team. As Bowman’s 2024 campaign comes under scrutiny, a detailed Alex Bowman NASCAR season analysis reveals why many, including Petty, believe HMS should stay the course.
Kyle Petty’s Endorsement for Bowman’s Place in the Team
Kyle Petty has been vocal about Bowman’s role within the four-car HMS operation, pointing out that Bowman’s contributions go beyond simple statistics. Reflecting on the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, Petty highlighted how Bowman only just clinched a postseason spot and exited after the Round of 16—his results a combination of promising top-10 runs and unsettling finishes deep in the field. Bowman currently holds the 13th position in the driver’s standings, lagging behind fellow Hendrick teammates who all remain in playoff contention. Although his eighth-place showing at the Bass Pro Shops Night Race brightened his stat sheet, poor performances at Darlington and Gateway significantly hindered Bowman’s campaign.
Petty drew comparisons between Bowman’s current season and patterns seen previously at Hendrick Motorsports:
“That’s always been the MO at Hendrick Motorsports. They always have one car that lags behind a little bit. 48 team, seems to be the team since Jimmie Johnson left, that lags behind a little bit.
Kyle Petty, while acknowledging team owner Rick Hendrick’s authority, further defended Bowman’s place on the roster, citing widespread support from key stakeholders.
“Now should they get rid of him….it’s Rick’s decision, not our decision….The sponsor likes him, Rick likes him, the team likes him, he adds something to the combination and he helps the whole group move forward. So let’s give him another shot,” he added.
Assessing Bowman’s 2024 NASCAR Season Performance
Across the current season, Bowman struggled to secure a playoff berth, notably failing to clinch any wins despite a strong performance history, including his previous Chicago Race victory. Although favored for another win at that event this year, he ended up only eighth, unable to capitalize on earlier momentum. The pressure increased when Ryan Blaney captured a win at Daytona, narrowing Bowman’s window of opportunity for postseason advancement—even threatening to eliminate him altogether if results had varied slightly.
Following his elimination in the Round of 16, HMS reassigned Bowman’s pit crew to William Byron’s No.24 team in a move highlighting the organization’s continuous pursuit of competitive advantages. Bowman’s combination of missed wins and fluctuating finishes has prompted questions, yet Petty’s steadfast support suggests HMS values what Bowman brings off the track as much as on it.
Spotlight Shifts to Denny Hamlin’s Racing Milestone
While Bowman’s future spurs debate, Kyle Petty has also weighed in on Denny Hamlin‘s impressive stretch this season. Hamlin’s victory at Gateway marked his fifth checkered flag of the year and his ongoing win streak now counts 59 victories, placing him at the forefront among current drivers. Petty shared his perspective on Hamlin’s continued success and potential for even greater achievements:
“Denny is doing something, I’m telling you guys. Somebody may prove me wrong, but I think he’s gonna be the last guy to climb that mountain and put that stick in the ground up there that says 60 time winner plus, because I don’t think he’s gonna stop at 60,” Kyle Petty said via X/NASCAR.
Hamlin stands atop the current playoff leaderboard with a 26-point cushion, just ahead of William Byron and Kyle Larson, each riding 24 points above the cutline. As he prepares to race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, a venue where he has previously claimed three wins, Hamlin’s success story provides a stark contrast to the scrutiny faced by Bowman and highlights the spectrum of fortunes seen in one NASCAR season.
What’s Next for Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports?
The current spotlight on Bowman reflects the intense scrutiny and high expectations confronting NASCAR’s leading teams. As HMS recalibrates its roster and strategies moving forward, internal support from figures like Kyle Petty may prove instrumental in shaping decisions about Bowman’s future. For now, Bowman’s season stands as a testament to the unpredictable, high-pressure nature of the NASCAR Cup Series, with the organization continuing to weigh loyalty, team chemistry, and performance as they plan for the seasons ahead.
