Alex Bowman, a well-known NASCAR Cup Series driver piloting the No. 48 Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports, also takes pride in his role as the owner of Alex Bowman Racing. This dirt-track operation, which is active in Midget and Sprint car competitions, allows Bowman to channel his passion for dirt racing while serving as an Alex Bowman Racing team owner. His team regularly competes in high-profile events such as the Chili Bowl Nationals, demonstrating Bowman’s deep involvement in the sport beyond his NASCAR commitments.
Origins and Growth of Alex Bowman Racing
Bowman established his dirt team to nurture his interest away from the asphalt, and over the years, the operation has expanded its presence with multiple cars and respected drivers in the dirt racing scene. This season, Bowman continued the tradition by entering four cars at the premier Chili Bowl Nationals, a testament to the growth and ongoing activity of the team. With the ABR banner, Bowman has supported a variety of talented drivers, including CJ Leary, Hunter Schuerenberg, and Jake Swanson, providing them opportunities to compete at a high level.
Hands-on Owner: Bowman’s Involvement and Realities
The demands of ownership have not deterred Bowman from being hands-on. Bowman has openly discussed the challenges and intense realities of managing a racing team.
“Still ended up doing all the work and paying all the bills and having none of the fun, and I was like, ‘This sucks.’ We’ve had some successful years (in Chili Bowl).”
– Alex Bowman, Owner
Through both highs and lows, financial strain has been a recurring theme.
“Had some years where my finances fly through the air and you flip over and over, and it’s like dollar signs falling off the car as it’s flipping. They’ve hurt a little bit, but yeah, it’s been a really fun thing for me to get to do.”
– Alex Bowman, Owner
Bowman’s approach involves direct labor on the cars, taking charge of most aspects aside from fabrication.
“Honestly, like I do 90% of the prep work on those cars myself. One thing I’m not good at is the fabrication side of things. Like, I’m not patient enough, and I’m not good enough to do it at a level that I’m happy with.”
– Alex Bowman, Owner
While he relies on friends from Hendrick Motorsports for specialized fabrication, Bowman confesses that he manages nearly all other tasks, from prep work to crew chief responsibilities.
“I have a lot of great friends at HMS that help me on the fab side of things, but beyond that, I’m doing all the prep work myself and working on them myself at the racetrack crew chiefing them, and it’s a lot of fun,”
– Alex Bowman, Owner
Major Changes After Setbacks
The direction of Alex Bowman Racing shifted significantly following a major incident in 2023 when Bowman suffered a compression fracture in his back after a 410 Sprint car crash. This event prompted him to reassess the Sprint car portion of his program. By late 2025, the team decided to sell its Sprint car equipment, and the LI55 Sprint car was absent from subsequent events. Rather than abandoning dirt racing, Bowman moved away from driving sprint cars himself, focusing instead on his full-time NASCAR duties and maintaining his role as a team owner.
Ongoing Influence in Dirt Racing and NASCAR
This year, Bowman remained an active presence at the Chili Bowl Nationals, joining a group of current Cup Series drivers—including Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, and Kyle Busch—who fielded entries as owners at the event. Bowman’s participation solidifies his standing among top-tier drivers who are shaping grassroots racing from the ownership side, highlighting the interconnectedness of dirt and NASCAR communities.
Notably, involvement in dirt track team ownership is growing among other NASCAR personnel as well. For instance, Blake Harris, a crew chief at Hendrick Motorsports, took on the role of car owner for Jesse Love at the same event, reflecting a broader trend of industry professionals supporting the sport at different levels.
The Impact and Legacy of Bowman’s Dual Roles
Alex Bowman’s journey as both a top-level NASCAR competitor and a dedicated Alex Bowman Racing team owner highlights the intense responsibilities and emotional challenges tied to running a racing team. His continued support for emerging drivers, persistent hands-on attitude, and ability to balance high-profile racing with grassroots competition underscore his influence on both worlds. Looking ahead, Bowman’s dual commitment is poised to inspire both established and rising participants across the racing landscape as the connections between NASCAR and dirt racing become even stronger.
