Yes, Alex Bowman conquered Pocono in grand, unique fashion. (Photo: James Gilbert/Getty Images)
No matter the circumstances, Alex Bowman absolutely attests with how victories count no matter how they come.
In this case, Bowman prospered in a shocking finish greatly shaping the Pocono Organics CBD 325 on Saturday afternoon (June 26). By all means, the 28-year-old Tucson, Arizona native applied the Richard Petty philosophy with winning NASCAR races.
Of course, the legendary NASCAR Cup Series icon once said “You have to put yourself in a position to win and let circumstances dictate the outcome.”
Certainly, Alex Bowman adhered with Petty’s words even when he relinquished the lead to Kyle Larson with five laps remaining.
Indeed, Bowman capitalized on a misfortune for Larson on the final lap of Saturday’s race at Pocono Raceway. Most importantly, when Larson’s left front tire cut heading into turn 3.
In contrast with Larson’s unfortunate finish, a corner from a certain win, Bowman leapt at this moment. Moreover, “Bad Luck” Bowman captured some fortune at the 2.5-mile superspeedway. Furthermore, Bowman extended Hendrick Motorsports’ winning streak to six races.
Primarily, Alex Bowman relishes another Cup win. (Photo: James Gilbert/Getty Images)
“Yeah, I hate to win one that way, but hell yeah, I’ll take it,” Bowman said, stunned with his third win of 2021. “I’m super proud of this Ally No. 48 team. Man, we kind of gave the lead away. We were on two tires and just got super tight. I tried to hold him (Larson) off as long as I could. I can’t say enough about everybody at Team Hendrick right now, the body shop, engine shop, chassis shop. Top to bottom, everybody is putting race cars on the race track. Greg (Ives, crew chief) and all the guys did a really good job.”
Even more, Bowman’s victory, much like his win at Richmond, came as a bit of a surprise. Consider how Bowman finished 36th in stage 1 before rallying to an eighth place result in stage 2.
Still, Bowman and his No. 48 team worked ardently with being in position for the win. Namely, Bowman maximized his odds with a premium restart on lap 112.
Namely, Bowman restarted second and to Kyle Busch’s inside in Row 1. On account of a fast race car and pure determination, Bowman captured the lead from Busch.
From there, once Larson cleared Busch, it became a Hendrick Motorsports battle for Pocono glory. Similarly, the battle between Bowman and Larson seemed like a great Michael Mann action film.
Consequently, Larson, with a crafty pass in turn 1, overtook Bowman on lap 126. Seemingly in sight of his fifth win of 2021, fate played cruel tricks on Larson.
As a result of the cut tire, Larson slammed into the turn 3 wall, willing his wrecked No. 5 Chevy to a heartbreaking ninth place result.
Nevertheless, while Larson was understandably disappointed, the current points leader kept his head up high.
On the contrary, Kyle Larson showcased champion like grace after a heartbreaking Pocono defeat. (Photo: James Gilbert/Getty Images)
“I guess that’s one thing that’s probably keeping me excited and not depressed, is that we get to go back again tomorrow,” Larson observed. “I’m sure our backup car will be just as good as that one. Feel like we learned a lot about our car today. The track came to us a lot. I think we should be good tomorrow.
“Hate that we didn’t get the win. Cool that Alex still did, a Hendrick car with another win. Cool to keep Mr. H’s streak going. Yeah, hate we didn’t get HendrickCars.com into Victory Lane, but we’ll try to start another streak tomorrow.”
Without doubt, Larson might echo the words of Sir Andrew when he said, “A little I’m hurt but not yet slain. I’ll just lie down and bleed a while. And then I’ll rise and fight again.”
Likewise, William Byron, teammate to Larson and Bowman, enjoyed his solid afternoon at Pocono after placing third.
“Just wasn’t quite able to pass the top two guys, I should say,” Byron said. “So, it’s just part of it. Luckily, we get a chance to work on those things. It’s the first time for Rudy (Fugle, crew chief) and I here. It was a good run for us. We finished third and we’ll try to go win tomorrow.”
On the other hand, Bowman, typically effervescent after a victory, explained his somewhat calmer celebration.
“This is the strangest win I’ve ever been a part of,” Bowman said. “I thought I was running second, which was still going to be a good day for us with how we struggled throughout the course of the day. Then he blows a tire, we win; can’t do a burnout because I have to race the car tomorrow. I typically stand on the roof of the car; can’t do that because I got to race the car tomorrow.”
Ultimately, Bowman offered his trademark wit with conserving the typical enthusiasm for a win.
Smile, you are Alex Bowman! (Photo: Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
“I typically drink all the beers; can’t do all that because I got to race a car tomorrow,” Bowman quipped, drawing some laughter. “I have to be way more responsible than I really want to be right now. It’s definitely been a unique win. But, yeah, I’ve never been in a situation like that. I was literally keyed up, apologizing for burning the front tires off the thing. Saw his crush panel fly out, him have a flat. Yeah, I can’t believe it.”
Pocono Organics CBD 325 Top 10 Finishers
Bowman-Kyle Busch-Byron-Hamlin-Blaney/Kurt Busch-Logano-Harvick-Larson-Keselowski
