NASCAR Cup Series

Passion in the Performance with Clint Bowyer’s Win

by
Christina Bowman
June 18, 2018

Clint Bowyer’s recent win at Michigan captured the passion of NASCAR that’s sorely needed. (Photo Credit: Kathleen Cassidy/TPF)

Leading up to Michigan, my first in-person covered race of the year, I kept looking for a story-line to cover, a lead to follow. Continuously, I found myself empty handed. Once I arrive at the track, attended some of the press conferences, caught up with friends and other colleagues – I noticed a developing theme. Here I was searching for a narrative and the search itself may have been the narrative.

Charismatic as can be, Clint Bowyer enjoys a renaissance season in NASCAR. (Photo Credit: Jeremy Thompson/TPF)

Over the years, fans and teams alike have seen NASCAR implementing changes. Rules alluding to safety have been adopted, 2017 alone saw the implementation of stage racing, the damaged vehicle policy and the crash clock. Not only have we seen changes to the schedule, but we have seen a plethora of new racing packages. NASCAR is searching for something. A hit with the fans. A win in a sense.

When you think on your history as a fan of the sport, what are some of the most memorable moments? Was it watching a legend finally score that elusive win? Seeing the first female driver capture the pole for the biggest race of the year and lead the field to the green? How about an on-track skirmish that lead to an all-out brawl in the garages? What was it that drew you in and transformed you from intermittent viewer to avid fan?

My guess is that it had less to do with what tire package was run and more to do with how emotionally charged the race was. Can you remember if there was side by side racing throughout the event? Or, do you simply remember the backflip that came with the checkers or the whole crew climbing the fence before going to Victory Lane.

Week to week, the greatest headlines are born through the passion of the drivers, teams and fans; then written or articulated through the media.

No matter how different some of the greats in racing may seem, they have something in common – personality. Whether it be boisterous like DW, confident and raw like Dale Earnhardt or quiet and professional like Jimmie Johnson, they are all relatable. That passion and personality is what keeps NASCAR relevant and attracts new fans.

Connecting with fans still counts in today’s NASCAR. (Photo Credit: Kathleen Cassidy/TPF)

With Clint Bowyer in Victory Lane, NASCAR got what it truly needed on Sunday. Sure, it was a long day waiting out the rain. Arguably the racing was not the best it has ever been at Michigan, but with Bowyer came all the missing pieces. He brought enthusiasm and excitement to an otherwise emotionally overcast day.

I would bet that in a year, few people will remember the rain that fell in the Irish Hills. However, many more will remember Clint’s fervor in an interview from a makeshift Victory Lane.

Or they will remember the pride shared between three Stewart-Haas teammates finishing 1-2-3 for the first time since the foundation of the organization?

In the end there was a story. There was drama. Essentially, that is what I believe the search is for in today’s NASCAR.

Christina Bowman

Michigan native, fitness enthusiast, lover of bacon and most importantly NASCAR fanatic! My passion for the sport started upon my first visit to Michigan International Speedway at the age of 12 and has not dwindled since that day. Graduate of Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication; emphasis on Broadcasting/Production.

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