Alex Bowman is gearing up for the Bank of America Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, determined to deliver a strong showing and highlight his potential on road courses once more. With Alex Bowman Charlotte Roval performance drawing attention, the Hendrick Motorsports driver is eager to showcase his progress even as the NASCAR playoffs continue without him.
Bowman’s Road Course Record Stands Out Ahead of the Roval
Bowman has consistently delivered impressive results on road courses, which is expected to play a crucial role at the upcoming event in North Carolina. Over his last 13 road course starts, he has secured seven top-10 finishes, including a memorable victory on the streets of Chicago last year. Specifically at the Charlotte Roval, Bowman has demonstrated a knack for the unique circuit, earning two top-5s and five top-10s in just six appearances. His notable runner-up finish in 2019, achieved while driving the #88 Chevrolet, remains a testament to his adaptability and racing prowess.
Reflecting on the Charlotte Roval, Bowman said,
“The Roval is always such a unique challenge because it mixes so many different elements of road and oval racing. Our #48 Ally Chevy has had speed there in the past, and we’ve been building good momentum on road courses lately.”
– Alex Bowman, NASCAR driver
Despite his optimistic outlook for this weekend, Bowman’s 2023 playoff hopes came to an end during the Round of 16 cutoff at Bristol Motor Speedway. The elimination persisted despite strategic changes, such as reorganizing his pit crew to sharpen their performance. Bowman’s teammates—Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and William Byron—remain in the title fight, all holding positions over the current playoff cutline and preparing to race the Roval as part of the competition’s next critical phase.
Roval 400: The Stakes and Schedule
The Bank of America Roval 400 is set to take place on October 5, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The 109-lap contest marks the conclusion of the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 12, serving as the last opportunity for playoff contenders to advance before the championship field narrows to eight drivers. Following the excitement at Charlotte, the NASCAR calendar quickly turns its focus to Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the next stage of the playoffs.
Kyle Petty Backs Bowman Amidst Ongoing Debate
The conversation around Bowman’s future at Hendrick Motorsports intensified recently, fueled by outside suggestions that his seat might be vulnerable due to a lack of recent wins. Former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty responded to this scrutiny, urging patience and backing Bowman’s value to the organization. Petty referenced the long-standing trend at Hendrick Motorsports of having one car trail the others, a situation he observed firsthand years ago.
“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, Former NASCAR Driver
“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.
– Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR Driver
A Career Defined by Perseverance and Adaptation
Bowman’s journey with Hendrick Motorsports began when he stepped in as a part-time replacement for Dale Earnhardt Jr. during the 2016 season, filling a critical void for the team. His performance led to a full-time opportunity piloting the #88 car starting in 2018 following Earnhardt Jr.’s retirement. Following Jimmie Johnson’s departure at the end of 2020, Bowman moved into the iconic #48 ride, securing backing from key sponsor Ally Financial.
Throughout the current season, Bowman’s efforts have been notable though he has yet to visit victory lane. The Arizona native’s closest attempt at a win occurred at Homestead-Miami Speedway in March. In that race, a late-race error where he made contact with the wall allowed his teammate Kyle Larson to overcome him for the lead, demonstrating both Bowman’s competitiveness and the thin margins in top-level NASCAR.
How Bowman Fits Into the Larger Picture at Hendrick Motorsports
Bowman’s teammates at Hendrick Motorsports—Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and William Byron—have each enjoyed multiple victories in the current campaign, which has kept the internal focus intense and the competition within the powerhouse team fierce. Despite Bowman’s winless run, his history of reliability, collaborative spirit, and sponsorship support means he continues to play a vital role. This dynamic, emphasized by Kyle Petty’s public statements, reflects how NASCAR organizations sometimes have one entry that doesn’t match the peak performance of others yet still serves an important function for the group as a whole.
For Bowman, every start offers another opportunity to solidify his reputation as a skilled road course racer and valuable asset to Hendrick Motorsports. With the Charlotte Roval approaching, his recent form on similar tracks and experience with the unique demands of the circuit provide hope for a breakthrough performance, even as his season’s biggest goals have shifted away from the championship hunt.
Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake for Bowman in Charlotte?
The upcoming Charlotte Roval race represents a critical moment for Bowman, offering a stage to reaffirm his abilities and potentially earn another impressive finish for the #48 team. Outside of the playoff spotlight, his pursuit of excellence remains undiminished, with the support of team owner Rick Hendrick, primary sponsor Ally Financial, and a legacy built on overcoming challenges.
If Bowman can deliver a strong Alex Bowman Charlotte Roval performance, it could strengthen his position at Hendrick Motorsports and quiet doubts about his future with the organization. As the NASCAR Cup Series continues toward its season finale with the remaining playoff contenders, Bowman’s determination to contend—and the confidence expressed in him by respected figures like Kyle Petty—illustrate both the pressures and opportunities present for talented drivers who aim to prove themselves against the best.
