Alex Bowman, a mainstay in the NASCAR Cup Series, credits much of his professional rise to the crucial support he received from Dale Earnhardt Jr., a fact that significantly shaped his journey with Hendrick Motorsports. Bowman’s NASCAR career has been marked by challenges and resilience, and Earnhardt Jr.’s intervention proved pivotal during a tense and uncertain chapter in Bowman’s development as a driver.
Early Career Struggles and Searching for Opportunity
Bowman’s entry into the Cup Series began in 2014 with BK Racing, where he drove the No. 23 Toyota, followed by a stint with Tommy Baldwin Racing. Both teams, regarded as smaller operations in the field, did not afford Bowman the results or visibility needed to propel his career forward, leaving him in a position where he needed greater exposure and success to remain competitive in NASCAR.
The Turning Point: Earnhardt Jr.’s Vital Endorsement
The trajectory of Bowman’s career shifted dramatically during a fateful meeting with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Recalling this key period, Bowman shared his experience of qualifying beside Earnhardt Jr. at Richmond and the conversations they shared before the race. Their discussion centered on Bowman’s ambitions to improve his standing by getting into stronger Xfinity Series cars, considering the hardships that come with running for less-resourced teams.
“I qualified next to Dale at like Richmond, I think, and we were riding around the truck pre-race together, talking about I was trying to get in some good Xfinity cars at the end of that year and have some good races cuz running for small teams was definitely rough.”
– Alex Bowman
Earnhardt Jr. had openings at JR Motorsports toward the end of the season, which provided Bowman with an unexpected opportunity to compete in better equipment. This chance played a crucial role in advancing his visibility within the sport.
“He had some openings at JRM the end of that year that I was able to get into. Kind of took off from there.”
– Alex Bowman
Breakthrough at Hendrick Motorsports
The situation shifted even more unexpectedly when Dale Earnhardt Jr. was sidelined with injuries in 2016, creating a vacancy in the coveted No. 88 car at Hendrick Motorsports. Bowman, already working with the team as a simulator driver, became the natural recommendation as Earnhardt Jr. personally advocated for him to management, influencing their decision at a crucial time.
“So obviously, crazy set of circumstances, with him getting hurt. I was driving the Sim for Hendrick at the time. Dale was a big supporter of mine and called me and kind of forced Hendrick to use me…”
– Alex Bowman
Bowman’s sudden elevation to the Cup ride meant he would share driving duties with Jeff Gordon, a legendary figure in NASCAR, for the remainder of the season. The suddenness and magnitude of the opportunity were not lost on Bowman, who openly expressed both surprise and gratitude for the chance to continue competing at the top level.
“I feel like, because we all found out so late. But super fortunate to get to fill in for him and then share the car with some guy named Jeff Gordon for the rest of the year, which was wild to me. And somehow I’m still here.”
– Alex Bowman
Recent Performance and Continuing Challenges
Bowman’s persistence paid off further when he secured his most recent Cup Series victory at the Chicago Street race in 2024, breaking a winless streak that had persisted for over a season and a half. Despite nine seasons at Hendrick Motorsports—home to successful peers like Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and William Byron—Bowman has only missed the playoffs once, in 2023, after a back injury from a sprint car accident sidelined him for three races.
Even during a challenging, winless stretch in 2023, Bowman finished 13th in the final standings, notably delivering his strongest run at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. In this inaugural Cup Series event south of the border, Bowman overcame a deep starting position and lingering injuries from a previous week’s crash at Michigan International Speedway to finish fourth and claim his third top-five result of the season.
The Road Ahead for Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports
As Bowman heads into another demanding season, team leaders such as Jeff Gordon and the broader Hendrick Motorsports organization remain hopeful about his capabilities, even as he faces the combined challenges of adapting to a redesigned Chevrolet body and increased horsepower. With the upcoming season set to reveal whether Bowman’s steady improvement continues, his journey—defined by perseverance and the decisive role of allies like Dale Earnhardt Jr.—remains a compelling example within the Alex Bowman NASCAR career story.
