Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports, Alex Bowman fan support [Image Source: BESTFRIENDS]
Alex Bowman has spent nearly every offseason fielding questions about his future, yet he continues to defy speculation by remaining a consistent presence at Hendrick Motorsports. Despite pressures and repeated scrutiny, Bowman has seen a notable rise in Alex Bowman fan support, turning criticism into vibrant enthusiasm from his followers.
Under Constant Pressure Since Joining Hendrick Motorsports
Since taking on the full-time role in the No. 88 car in 2018, Bowman has faced heightened expectations largely due to Hendrick Motorsports’ elite reputation. While he has managed to tally race wins and playoff spots, his week-to-week results—often shadowed by outstanding performances from teammates like Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and William Byron—have kept him under the microscope. This relentless atmosphere has fueled ongoing conversations about his status with the team offseason after offseason.
Turning Critique Into Unexpected Popularity
For many drivers, such intense scrutiny might erode confidence, but Bowman has found opportunity in challenge. He has seized upon his sporadic victories to develop unique merchandise that resonates with fans, pushing his popularity higher than ever, despite never seeking the limelight. His approach contrasts with the expected reaction to adversity in the sport, focusing instead on connecting authentically with supporters.
One famous example came after Bowman’s Richmond win in 2021, when he said over his team radio,
Image of: Alex Bowman
“Get over it. Nobody likes us anyway.”
The phrase quickly became a best-selling T-shirt, embraced widely by his fanbase.
Further criticism only fueled the trend. When Denny Hamlin, frustrated after an intense outing at Martinsville, labeled Bowman a “hack,” it inspired yet another T-shirt and gave fans a new rallying cry to support their driver.
Candid Reflections on Surging Fan Response
Bowman has been open about his discomfort with attention, as he told Fox Sports,
“I don’t like attention, and I sometimes don’t know how to deal with a bunch of attention the best. So when we’re selling thousands of shirts a week and more than we can print, it’s pretty wild to see the fan support.”
What began as a joke about not chasing attention morphed into a phenomenon that caught even him off guard.
Relaying his experience to Frontstretch, Bowman further revealed the incredible pace of merchandise sales:
“I figured we’d sell some, but I think we passed our preorder goal in like 30 minutes [laughs]. So it’s pretty crazy, because it’s just me and a buddy shipping out, and […] I’m gonna have to hire people to ship these shirts out.”
Enduring Presence and Future Outlook
Bowman’s creative response to criticism and growing merchandise sales have solidified his standing with both fans and team leadership. Having ended the 2025 season ranked 13th, he remains an integral figure at Hendrick Motorsports. As the new season approaches, Bowman and his supporters hope that this momentum, fueled by unwavering fan backing, translates into continued success on the track and perhaps an even stronger finish in the standings.
