Alex Bowman, a prominent figure in NASCAR and known for his involvement in the Chili Bowl racing scene, has shifted from being a participant to focusing solely on team ownership at the famed Chili Bowl Nationals. Although Bowman previously raced seven times in this event, recent changes in his role and the reasons behind his decision highlight the physical challenges he faces with midget car racing.
Bowman’s Shift to Team Ownership in Midget Racing
Alex Bowman Chili Bowl racing efforts have evolved over time. While Bowman once regularly competed in the Chili Bowl Nationals, he has never captured a win, but has delivered respectable showings. These days, he is fully committed to overseeing his team in the midget racing world. For the 2025 event, Bowman fielded four entries, putting Jake Swanson, CJ Leary, Kevin Thomas Jr., and Briggs Danner behind the wheel. This year, he reduced his program to only two entries, with CJ Leary and Briggs Danner carrying his banner during the ongoing event.
Unlike some other Cup Series drivers who are diversifying their motorsport portfolios with on-track participation, Bowman has stepped back from direct competition. This has surprised many fans and industry watchers, especially given his earlier involvement in the Chili Bowl Nationals.
Physical Constraints Make Racing Midgets Difficult for Bowman
The decision for Bowman to remove himself from driving in the midget races isn’t due to a lack of interest or diminishing skill but rather because of very specific physical limitations. He shared how uncomfortable he feels in the confined cockpit of a midget race car, speaking candidly about his experience:
“I think the biggest thing for me in the midget side of things is that I just don’t fit. My knees are in the steering box so bad. I am super uncomfortable driving the race car,”
Alex Bowman told FloRacing.
He further detailed the unique challenges, explaining,
“I can be comfortable in a seat with no safety or support, because I gain so much room. But in a seat that’s acceptable, I just don’t have enough room in the car,”
he added.
The mismatch between Bowman’s body proportions and the compact design of midget cars is a persistent issue for him.
“It’s tough. The distance from my hips and knees is long and gets my knees in the steering box really bad,”
he added, underscoring how physical discomfort, rather than motivation, is the real obstacle to his continued participation as a driver in events like the Chili Bowl Nationals.
Team Owner Role Preferred Despite Its Own Hurdles
As a team owner, Bowman admits to facing his own set of challenges, noting he’s not particularly adept at setting up the cars. However, he feels this responsibility is a better fit for him than struggling with the limitations inside a midget car, revealing the extent to which physical considerations have shaped his career path in Chili Bowl racing.
Increased Scrutiny in the NASCAR Cup Series
While Bowman steps back from driving in the Chili Bowl Nationals, he continues to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series—a role that comes with mounting pressure. Hendrick Motorsports management has maintained public support for Bowman, insisting his place with the team is secure and that he meets internal expectations. Yet, Bowman faces comparisons with his teammates, including Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Chase Elliott, whose performances often outpace his own.
With the Chase format’s return, consistent strong results have become more important than ever for Bowman. To remain a contender at the top tier of the leaderboard, and to ensure his seat doesn’t become vulnerable to rising stars such as Corey Day, Rajah Caruth, or Jesse Love, Bowman must rise to the occasion in the Cup Series.
What Lies Ahead for Bowman and His Teams
Alex Bowman’s decision to step away from driving at the Chili Bowl Nationals spotlights the physical demands and limitations faced by some drivers in midget racing. By focusing on team ownership and continuing to work with drivers like CJ Leary and Briggs Danner, Bowman remains influential in the Chili Bowl racing environment. Meanwhile, his ongoing journey in the Cup Series will be shaped by the competition within Hendrick Motorsports and the ever-increasing expectations that come with racing at NASCAR’s top level.
🎤 #NASCAR star @Alex_Bowman explains why he's stopped racing Midgets at events like the #ChiliBowl. @MpdRacing pic.twitter.com/4Ygsm9A22d
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) January 14, 2026
