Alex Bowman is aiming for a solid result at the upcoming race on the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, hoping to build on recent success highlighted by his performance on road courses. The 32-year-old driver’s #48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet has emerged as a consistent contender, particularly on tracks that blend road course and oval elements.
Over the past 13 road course events, Bowman has earned seven top-10 finishes, including a victory in last year’s Chicago street race. At Charlotte’s challenging Roval layout, he boasts two top-five finishes and five top-10s out of six starts, with his best result being a runner-up spot in 2019 when driving the #88 Chevy. Bowman characterized the Roval as a unique and demanding track that tests drivers’ skills in both road racing and traditional oval styles.
Bowman Reflects on His Strengths at the Charlotte Roval
Bowman pointed out the complexity of the Charlotte Roval and how his team’s car has demonstrated competitive speed there before. He stated,
“The Roval is always such a unique challenge because it mixes so many different elements of road and oval racing. Our #48 Ally Chevy has had speed there in the past, and we’ve been building good momentum on road courses lately.”
Alex Bowman’s words underline his confidence in both his driving and the performance of his Hendrick Motorsports team as they approach the race weekend.
Despite his recent form, Bowman will not continue in the playoffs this season. After being eliminated during the Round of 16 finale at Bristol Motor Speedway, he made adjustments such as reshuffling his pit crew but could not secure enough points to advance. His teammates Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and William Byron remain in the playoff hunt and travel to the Charlotte Roval with favorable positions above the elimination cutline.
The Bank of America Roval 400, scheduled for October 5 at 3:00 p.m. ET, will serve as the Round of 12 finale. The race on this demanding 109-lap road course will set the stage for the upcoming Round of 8, which begins next weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Kyle Petty Advocates for Bowman’s Continued Role at Hendrick Motorsports
Former NASCAR driver and commentator Kyle Petty offered his thoughts amid criticism suggesting Bowman should be replaced at Hendrick Motorsports. Petty emphasized that Bowman deserves a chance to prove himself further, noting that HMS has historically encountered challenges with at least one of their cars, a pattern he observed going back to when the team fielded a single vehicle.
Kyle Petty, whose father Richard Petty is a seven-time NASCAR Cup champion, explained,
“That’s always been the MO at Hendrick Motorsports. They always have one car that lags behind a little bit. 48 team, seems to be the team since Jimmie Johnson left, that lags behind a little bit.”
He added,
“Now should they get rid of him […] it’s Rick’s decision, not our decision. The sponsor likes him, Rick likes him, the team likes him, he adds something to the combination and he helps the whole group move forward. So let’s give him another shot.”
Petty’s comments highlight both the loyalty Bowman has within Hendrick Motorsports and the belief that his contributions extend beyond raw results.
Bowman’s Journey with Hendrick Motorsports and Current Performance
Alex Bowman initially joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2016 as a part-time driver filling in for the injured Dale Earnhardt Jr. After Earnhardt Jr.’s retirement, Bowman took over the #88 Chevrolet full-time starting in 2018. In 2020, Bowman was handed the iconic #48 Chevrolet, a seat previously held by Jimmie Johnson, supported by sponsorship from Ally Financial.
So far this season, Bowman has not claimed a victory, contrasting with his teammates who have each notched multiple wins. His nearest opportunity came at Homestead-Miami Speedway in March, where a late race error caused him to brush the wall, allowing Kyle Larson to seize the lead. This moment exemplifies the challenges Bowman faces as he seeks to regain his winning form amid intense competition.
Upcoming Challenges and the Importance of the Charlotte Roval
The upcoming Bank of America Roval 400 holds significant weight for Bowman and his Hendrick Motorsports team, especially as the playoffs approach critical stages. Although Bowman will not be advancing, strong finishes can boost team morale and momentum heading into the final races of the season. Meanwhile, his teammates Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and William Byron will be pushing to secure their spots in the Round of 8 by capitalizing on their current standings.
Alex Bowman’s experience on road courses and his past performances at Charlotte’s Roval provide a solid foundation for the event. His confidence in the #48 Ally Chevy and recent improvements indicate he aims to end the season on an encouraging note. For Hendrick Motorsports, maintaining competitive speed and consistency at the Roval remains vital as the team strives to secure championships.
