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via Getty

via Getty

Some say the best way to find yourself is to get lost in a new adventure and then come back with a renewed perspective. And seems like NASCAR veterans are taking this seriously. Because we have not one, but two NASCAR veterans, Kevin Harvick, and Clint Bowyer, come back from the FOX booth to the racing paddock. We saw Kevin Harvick at Five Flags Speedway and Clint Bowyer at the truck series race in Nashville.

After wrapping up his duty as an analyst on FOX, Bowyer made his comeback at Nashville. Everyone was cheering him on and wishing him luck, even Kyle Larson. Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on Bowyer’s side this time around!

Clint Bowyer admits race didn’t meet expectations

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From the hot seat of an analyst to the hot seat literally of a race car—it is quite a transition. But Clint Bowyer is no stranger to the driver’s seat, and he knew the drill. So he went through the taxing meetings, the seat fittings, and the time needed on the stimulator. And he was ready to race at the Craftsman Truck Series Rackley Roofing 200. 

Everyone had one thing on their mind—it’s been a hot minute, and anyone can go rusty without being behind the wheel. But Bowyer proved everyone wrong, he had a great practice and an even better qualifying and he finished at p11! Given that he hadn’t been behind the wheel for nearly a decade, fans were in awe. As they say, ‘You can take the driver out of the car, but you can’t take the racing out of the driver.’

But that was all the good news as far as this story goes, the race day was a different story. While the start was great, he even managed to pull his truck from p11 to p7 at one point. But soon it all came down at stage 2. As the race reached the restart point, the whole field was stacked up, and hence what was feared happened – a ripple effect! Chase Purdy wanted to take off but he couldn’t and Bowyer slammed into him — this led to an accordion effect and Bowyer ended up finishing at p17!

Bowyer had mentioned that Nashville could be his last NASCAR race before coming. But after coming out of the truck, he soon changed his mind. In fact, he said,I can’t quit like that. There’s no way in hell. I’ll find something. He had fans cheer him on at the track and he must have felt guilty maybe. He went to X to explain. He said, Well damn, not what I was hoping for. Sh*t happens. Made a mistake and stalled in pit box and then paid the price on restart. Cover it every week, mistakes are what make the difference. Appreciate @SpireMotorsport, Brian Pattie, and everyone on that 7 team that gave me the chance.”

 

Well, NASCAR fans are as forgiving as they come, and they welcomed Bowyer back with open arms. Under his post, fans flocked to ask him to return to racing, showing their support for seeing him back on the track.

Fans’ message to Clint Bowyer

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Clint Bowyer was not just reunited with being his old self behind the wheel, he also reunited with his former crew chief, Brian Pattie. They had done great work from 2012 to 2015 and they were together for this stint. Moreover seems like Spire heard Bowyer’s request because Pattie, after the race, said — “I got a couple of races that I’ll circle for him next year if he’d like to come back.” One fan had commented.Well, it was entertaining of nothing else. Hope to see you again very soon!” Guess even your wishes are answered and you might just see him racing again soon! 

Moreover, given the statement that Bowyer gave he cannot end on that note. After all, no one wants their legacy to be marred by a poor race! So it won’t be a surprise and Pattie even mentioned that Bowyer just got the itch so he will be back. One fan commented with such confidence like he knew their favorite driver would be back soon. He said, “We know we will see you back again this year and can’t wait.”

Going into the race he had well-wishers cheering him on. Clint Bowyer had fans rooting for him so he needn’t worry about anything much. And these races are supposed to be all about fun. One fan highlighted and said, “Enjoy these moments you get to spend with your family, and run a race where you really don’t have anything on the line other than your pride makes it more fun!”

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His race could indeed be better, but sometimes you need more than skill to win races or come up as a runner-up, you need luck. Maybe he didn’t have just that element. One fan gave a perfect comment that Bowyer might still have what it takes to compete at a high level. He said, “I don’t think 16th or 17th is all that bad for being out of the truck for 8 years.”

Coming to the race, although Bowyer was confident, his son almost made a prophecy. Cash Bowyer told Fox Reporter, “I’m actually the only one that’s won this season so far competing with this guy [pointing at his father].” Well, young Bowyer remains the only Bowyer to win a race this season! But Clint Bowyer needs to worry because there are still people who watched the Nashville race just to see him race. Here is a comment that can warm his heart, It was fun watching you race. You were the only reason I watched tonight.”