50 Facts About Alex Bowman

Early Life and Career

Alex Bowman has been a racing enthusiast since childhood. His journey from quarter midget cars to NASCAR is nothing short of inspiring.

1. Bowman started racing at seven, driving quarter midget cars in Arizona and California.
2. By 2006, he had won nine national championships and 165 feature wins.
3. In 2008, he clinched the USAC National Focus Midget championship with 11 wins.
4. Bowman also won the California Dirt Focus Midget championship in 2008.
5. In 2009, he was named USAC National Midget Rookie of the Year.
6. An accident in February 2010 left him with a fractured clavicle and rib, but he continued racing.
7. At 17, Bowman transitioned to full-bodied stock car racing, making two Rev-Oil Pro Cup starts in 2010.

NASCAR K&N Pro Series

Bowman's talent quickly caught the eye of NASCAR teams, leading to his debut in the K&N Pro Series.

8. In 2011, Bowman joined the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East with X Team Racing.
9. He finished sixth in series points and won Rookie of the Year honors in 2011.
10. Bowman returned to the K&N Pro Series West in 2018 at Sonoma Raceway, driving the No. 24 for Bill McAnally Racing.

Nationwide and Xfinity Series

Bowman's career took a significant leap when he entered the Nationwide Series, showcasing his skills on a larger stage.

11. In January 2013, Bowman was announced to run the full Nationwide Series season for RAB Racing.
12. He won his first career Nationwide pole at the O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 at Texas.
13. Bowman drove for various teams in the Nationwide Series, including Hattori Racing Enterprises and JR Motorsports.
14. He made significant strides in the Xfinity Series, winning a pole at Michigan.
15. In 2017, Bowman drove the No. 24 Xfinity car of Chip Ganassi Racing at Charlotte and Phoenix, winning his first NASCAR national series race.

NASCAR Cup Series Debut

Bowman's entry into the NASCAR Cup Series marked a new chapter in his racing career.

16. He made his Cup Series debut in the 2014 Daytona 500 with BK Racing.
17. Bowman drove for BK Racing and Tommy Baldwin Racing from 2014 to 2016, starting 71 Cup events.
18. After losing his ride at Tommy Baldwin Racing, Bowman was hired as a simulator driver for Hendrick Motorsports.
19. In 2016, he raced for the injured Dale Earnhardt Jr. for 10 Cup Series events, earning three top-10 finishes.

Full-Time Role with Hendrick Motorsports

Bowman's hard work paid off when he secured a full-time role with Hendrick Motorsports.

20. In July 2017, Hendrick Motorsports announced Bowman would join the No. 88 Chevrolet team full-time in 2018.
21. Bowman won his first career Cup Series victory at Chicagoland Speedway in June 2019.
22. Despite his victories, Bowman has faced consistency issues, finishing 20th or worse in 43 of his 147 starts at Hendrick Motorsports.
23. He holds a record of six consecutive front-row starts in the Daytona 500 from 2018 to 2023.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Outside of racing, Bowman has a variety of interests that keep him grounded and entertained.

24. Bowman's favorite movie is "Supertroopers".
25. His go-to meal before a race is typically grilled chicken and vegetables.
26. The monkey with the hand over its eyes, the laughing-crying face, and the thumbs up are his most-used emojis.
27. Jimmie Johnson is his role model, admired for his work ethic and presentation style.
28. Bowman enjoys working on cars and spending time with his dogs.
29. His favorite artist is Blink-182, whom he saw in concert this year.
30. If he had a time machine, Bowman would travel back to the 1970s for the racing and cars.
31. He is a fan of the Panthers, though he doesn’t follow sports outside of racing much.
32. Bowman wants to travel to Europe, fascinated by abandoned old towns.
33. The best advice he received this year is that "everything happens for a reason."

Racing Style and Challenges

Bowman's racing style and the challenges he faces add depth to his career narrative.

34. Five of Bowman’s seven career Cup victories have come when he took the lead with 10 laps or less remaining.
35. Despite his talent, Bowman has struggled with consistency since joining Hendrick Motorsports full-time in 2018.
36. Bowman acknowledges his incredibly talented teammates, including Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and William Byron.
37. His path to Hendrick Motorsports was different from his teammates, starting with BK Racing and Tommy Baldwin Racing.

Memorable Moments and Achievements

Bowman's career is filled with memorable moments and significant achievements.

38. His first Daytona 500 experience was under challenging circumstances with slow superspeedway cars.
39. Bowman has won seven career Cup Series races, including his first victory at Chicagoland Speedway in 2019.
40. In the 2022 season, Bowman qualified second for the Daytona 500 but finished 24th after a crash.
41. He won the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas in 2022, his seventh career victory.
42. At the Circuit of the Americas, Bowman finished second after being bumped by Ross Chastain on the final lap.

Consistency and Team Dynamics

Bowman's focus on consistency and his role within the team highlight his dedication to the sport.

43. In 2020, Bowman captured one win, six top-five finishes, and 15 top-10s.
44. He led 440 laps in 2020, more than his previous total in any single season.
45. Bowman finished a career-best sixth in the playoffs in 2020.
46. In 2021, Bowman and crew chief Greg Ives switched to the No. 48 car, replacing the retiring Jimmie Johnson.

Off-Track Interests and Community Involvement

Bowman's life off the track is just as interesting, filled with hobbies and community involvement.

47. Bowman spends significant time driving the simulator for Hendrick Motorsports.
48. If he weren’t a race car driver, Bowman would likely be involved in the automotive industry.
49. He has an interest in video production, creating content related to racing and automotive activities.
50. Bowman participates in charity events and supports local organizations, raising awareness and funds for various causes.

Bowman’s Impact on NASCAR

Alex Bowman’s journey from quarter midget cars to the NASCAR Cup Series showcases his dedication and talent. With seven career Cup victories, including his first at Chicagoland Speedway, Bowman has proven he can compete at the highest level. His role at Hendrick Motorsports, especially filling in for Dale Earnhardt Jr., highlighted his adaptability and skill. Despite consistency challenges, his ability to secure front-row starts at the Daytona 500 and his strong finishes demonstrate his potential. Off the track, Bowman’s love for cars, dogs, and community involvement paints a picture of a well-rounded individual. His admiration for Jimmie Johnson and his passion for racing continue to drive him forward. Bowman’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and a deep love for the sport, making him a respected figure in the NASCAR community.