In 2024, Kevin Harvick didn’t hold back when critiquing Alex Bowman’s drifting skills after the Chicago Street Race. Harvick said, “If you’re going to drift, don’t spin out and hit the wall.” The retired NASCAR champion, known for his blunt takes, made it clear that Bowman’s attempt at a show-stopping burnout didn’t impress him. Rather than letting the negativity affect him, Bowman took a lighthearted approach, posting a clever edit of his drifting skills to social media. But he didn’t stop there.

He turned Harvick’s words into a challenge. Inviting the veteran to the Ten-Tenths Motor Club, Bowman set the stage for a drifting session neither of them would forget. Bowman embraced the moment, showing off his improved drifting techniques, while Harvick, despite being new to the art of drifting, demonstrated exactly why he’s considered a legend behind the wheel. The unexpected face-off blended skill, humor, and competition, making for an unforgettable episode that had fans buzzing.

Alex Bowman and Kevin Harvick go head-to-head in a drift showdown

When Kevin Harvick critiqued Alex Bowman’s drifting skills after the Chicago Street Race, no one expected it to escalate into a real challenge. It was Bowman’s chance to prove his skills, but what unfolded was a lesson in control from a NASCAR veteran.

Alex Bowman went first, eager to show that his drifting had improved since his win at Chicago. His run was aggressive, with tires screeching and smoke filling the air. While he managed to keep the car under control, it was far from perfect. Then it was Harvick’s turn. As he climbed into the driver’s seat, he admitted, “There’s really no reason that I need to drive this car, I don’t know what the f— I’m doing.” But moments later, he proved otherwise.

In stark contrast to Bowman’s high-energy run, Harvick’s approach was smooth and calculated. No excessive tire spin, no unnecessary theatrics. Just controlled, precise drifts that highlighted his natural feel for the car. “I didn’t even use the handbrake,” Harvick explained. When he finished his run, Bowman couldn’t help but laugh, saying, “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

The real takeaway came as the 2014 Cup Series Champion assessed the machine’s raw power. “That was wild. That thing will haul a– if you drive it straight. That thing has massive horsepower,” he remarked, visibly impressed. Bowman followed it with a specs rundown, “Yeah, it’s 486 cubic inches, 14 to 1.”

Bowman had thrown down the challenge, but Harvick had turned it into a masterclass in car control. With the session over, all eyes turned to the internet, where fans wasted no time reacting to the showdown. From Bowman’s boldness to Harvick’s surprising drifting skills, the NASCAR community had plenty to say.

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Fans can’t get enough of the friendly fight between Bowman and Harvick

The NASCAR community had plenty to say about Kevin Harvick and Alex Bowman’s unexpected drifting showdown. While many initially tuned in for laughs, Harvick’s smooth execution left fans thoroughly entertained. One user summed it up simply: “This was so much fun to watch.” Others couldn’t get enough of the car itself, with one fan wishing for a better look: “Was a fun video, I wish we could see more of the car.”

Some fans were eager to get in on the action themselves. One X user tagged Bowman and wrote, “@Alex_Bowman I would love a ride too. Looks like so much fun. Glad that @KevinHarvick was able to do this.” Meanwhile, another joked about Harvick’s initial hesitation before getting behind the wheel, quoting him directly: “@KevinHarvick…there is no reason for me to drive this car…let me in this thing. Lol, that was 😁😂.”

Others simply appreciated the fun dynamic between the two drivers, dropping reactions like “This is awesome! 👊” and a straightforward “Lol.” The lighthearted challenge proved to be a hit, showing a different side of Harvick while giving fans a reason to rally behind Bowman’s playful approach to criticism.

Meanwhile, Bowman isn’t just making waves off the track. After securing a solid sixth-place finish at the Daytona 500, his attention now turns to the Ambetter Health 400 this Sunday. With momentum on his side, fans will be watching closely to see if he can carry that energy into Atlanta.