Alex Bowman has been quiet and smooth heading into Sunday’s AdventHealth 400 at Kansas. (Photo: Patrick Vallely | The Podium Finish)
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Alex Bowman might be the George Harrison of Hendrick Motorsports. Ahead of Sunday’s AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway, he has quietly moved inside the top 10 points standings with five top 10s in the past seven races.
Heading into the 12th round of the NASCAR Cup Series season, Bowman and his No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL! team have momentum on their side. Likewise, his track record at the 1.5-mile intermediate track is equally impressive in his past 11 starts.
Tallying seven top 10s in that stretch, Bowman three top fives, including a runner-up in 2019. For a driver who has been consistent, his perspective on his most recent effort, last Sunday’s Würth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway, may seem a bit surprising.
“I think we’ve we’ve had a good couple weeks,” Bowman said. “I think Dover was pretty disappointing, honestly. Like, it was a a good points day, but, certainly wanted to run better than we did there. I think that there’s a lot of emphasis put on that race for sure, but, we’re in a good spot.
“We’ve had a lot of fast race cars, which is nice. And Kansas, historically, has been pretty good to us. So excited for this weekend.”
In the midst of a 72-race winless streak, the Tucson, Arizona, native is a confident racer heading into Sunday’s 267-lap race. It is safe to say Kansas Speedway is a favorite with the fans and drivers.
“Kansas was one of the first intermediate tracks I got to race at way back in ARCA,” he said in a team press release. “I got a lot of laps there and, for whatever reason, have been pretty naturally successful there right off the bat, even in the Cup car.
“Obviously, we haven’t won there, but we’ve had a lot of good days there. I’m looking forward to getting back to Kansas. It’s a fun racetrack that I enjoy going to.”
There is something to be said about driver comfort and confidence at a track like Kansas with its sweeping, variable banked corners and inviting straights. Variety is the spice of life where multiple grooves offer opportunities to set up for passes throughout the field.
Typically, drivers circle a track and weekend on the calendar as their best bet to win or nab a strong result. In Bowman’s case, he may have some of his competitors a bit nervous knowing he can be a quiet but formidable contender at each venue this month.
Alex Bowman has seven top 10 results in his past 11 starts at Kansas Speedway. (Photo: Patrick Vallely | The Podium Finish)
“Right now is a good time for us,” Bowman shared. “Everywhere we’re going, I think we’re we’re excited about. There’s not one coming up for a little bit that that I don’t like. So, yeah, excited about all of them.
“Obviously, didn’t get to race North Wilkesboro last year, so excited to get to go there. Charlotte’s always good to us. Darlington, we’re really fast in the fall. So, yeah, excited about all of them, and, hopefully, we can continue to to run well each and every week.”
While Bowman posted the 21st fastest speed in Saturday’s practice session, he can review the notes and data from his teammates, Kyle Larson, William Byron and Chase Elliott. Past data from recent Kansas races and Bowman’s experience at this venue also fall into play.
Starting 18th alongside his row nine partner, Josh Berry, he may be in the best line at the onset of the race, near the wall for maximum grip. Ironically, Berry raced in Bowman’s steed in last year’s AdventHealth 400 while recovering from a back injury.
The talk may be about Christopher Bell, the polesitter, Kyle Larson, the points leader and Denny Hamlin, the defending race winner.
Alex Bowman takes a moment to reflect before taking on Kansas Speedway ahead of Sunday’s AdventHealth 400. (Photo: Patrick Vallely | The Podium Finish)
However, Bowman should not be dismissed for Sunday’s race, from his chances to win to the hilarity that may ensue if he’s handed a camera before pre-race ceremonies with his Hendrick Motorsports stablemates.
“I think that comes from just they hand me the camera to take those videos and well, they hand it to us,” he explained. “And the three of them say ‘no,’ so I get stuck leading the video.
“But, yeah, I feel like it always feels really awkward. I feel like the the four of us kind of feel weird doing that, and then the fans love it. So, yeah, I’m glad it gets good reception because it sure feels weird when we’re doing it.”
Editor’s Notes
Harry Loomis contributed to this article on site from Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas.
