Amid ongoing debates about performance at Hendrick Motorsports this season, Kyle Petty has called for greater recognition of Alex Bowman Hendrick Motorsports’ contributions. Speaking out against the rush to criticize Bowman, Petty emphasizes the need to assess his results fairly despite mounting pressure to replace him in the No. 48 Chevrolet.
Mixed Views Surround Hendrick Motorsports Drivers This Season
Hendrick Motorsports has been the focus of intense scrutiny throughout the racing season. Many analysts and fans have criticized Chase Elliott’s results, questioning if he needs a new crew chief or if the entire team requires restructuring. Kyle Larson, once dominant earlier in the year, has also drawn comments for fading after May. Meanwhile, William Byron has been praised for his consistent and steady driving.
In the midst of this chatter, Petty urges a pause before condemning Bowman’s performance. He notes that the narrative almost always revolves around Elliott’s shortcomings or Larson’s decline, but Bowman’s efforts often go overlooked.
Kyle Petty Highlights Alex Bowman’s Solid Performance
While acknowledging that Bowman’s season hasn’t been spectacular, Petty insists it has been better than many believe, even surpassing Elliott in some periods. Bowman hasn’t reached the same level as other competitors overall, but Petty points out instances where Bowman outperformed his teammate over several weeks.
“He has not performed this year, not to the level that the other teams have, but he has outperformed Chase Elliott for a block of weeks. So let’s go back to that. He gets knocked out in the first round, and the cries are, Should Hendrick replace Alex Bowman in that car? Should he do this? Should he do that?”
— Kyle Petty, NASCAR legend
Petty urges fans and critics to remember that strong racing teams experience fluctuations in performance. Reflecting on Hendrick Motorsports’ history, he recalls phases when the team’s results varied across multiple cars.
“I’ve been around this sport a long time. I remember when Rick had one car. I remember when Rick had two cars. I remember when Rick had three cars, and one of them never could hit a lick of a black snake, never ran good at all.”
— Kyle Petty, NASCAR legend
He adds that Hendrick Motorsports has always faced challenges with at least one car underperforming relative to others. Since Jimmie Johnson’s departure, the No. 48 car has frequently been the lagging entry without a clear explanation.
“They always have one car that lags behind a little bit. The 48 team seems to be the team since Jimmie Johnson left that lags behind a little bit. I don’t know why. I don’t know what the reason is. That’s just the way it is.”
— Kyle Petty, NASCAR legend
A Call to Avoid Hastily Replacing Bowman
Petty stresses that Bowman is simply the current target of criticism and should not bear the brunt of impatience from fans or management. He suggests that Bowman’s struggles are not unique and other drivers at Hendrick have faced similar scrutiny during tougher stretches.
“Alex Bowman just happens to be the driver of the moment or the flavour of the month. Now, should they get rid of [him]? In the perfect world, if you own…”
— Kyle Petty, NASCAR legend
Petty’s unfinished statement nonetheless conveys a clear message: Hendrick Motorsports should resist the impulse to make major changes solely based on pressure or temporary performance dips. While Bowman is not dominating races, his perseverance and competitive spirit provide value during challenging periods.
Hendrick Motorsports’ future decisions regarding Bowman could shape the team’s trajectory in upcoming races and seasons. Giving him additional time and acknowledging his contributions may help stabilize the No. 48 squad, avoiding potential disruption caused by too-quick reactions to criticism.
