USA Today via Reuters
Mar 27, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman (48) during the EchoPark Automotive Texas Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 27, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman (48) during the EchoPark Automotive Texas Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier this weekend, the NASCAR Cup Series paddock visited the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. For the third time in the 2022 season, we witnessed a brand new race winner. Ross Chastain triumphed for a delighted Trackhouse Racing team, propelling him to 5th in the championship standings. However, after the race, second-placed driver Alex Bowman practically stole the show.
I was one of the last to leave the garage @COTA Sunday and I saw one driver who stayed late and assisted the team in packing up. Who was it? @Alex_Bowman I had to shoot a picture. #DialedIn 7-10 p.m. ET tonight @SiriusXMNASCAR pic.twitter.com/e9YqjQ3pfJ
— Claire B Lang (@ClaireBLang) March 30, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Long after many other drivers had vacated the premises, Bowman was one of the last to leave. This was because some eagle-eyed viewers spotted him staying behind to help his Hendrick Motorsports team pack up. Admittedly, it isn’t uncommon to see a driver stay behind and help the team. However, it does reinforce the idea that they are part of more than just a team. Instead, they are a family.
Alex reminds me of the other driver of the 48 @JimmieJohnson
— Brandon Broadnax (@BrandonSbroar) March 30, 2022
He’s also really come into his own the last couple seasons. Real good guy and a stud behind the wheel!
— Brad Englin (@bradleymenglin) March 30, 2022
Just goes to show that he is a true team member and isn’t afraid of helping out
— John Hughes (@hkises4j5) March 30, 2022
Alex seems like a really genuine guy. Clearly he hasn’t forgotten it was hard work and dedication that got him where he is today.
— Bobbi (@bobbi65) March 31, 2022
Naturally, the fans were absolutely touched by Bowman’s selflessness. One user responded, “Oh My Goodness! That’s awesome, especially when the poor guy wasn’t feeling well and just wanted to get home. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves for both his talent and for just being an overall good guy!”
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 27, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman (48) during the EchoPark Automotive Texas Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
What else did fans say about Alex Bowman?
What made fans love the #48 driver, even more, was the fact that he was reportedly unwell. So, to see him sticking it out with the team, when anyone else would have bailed out early for the sake of their health, was heartening. Of course, this is not suggesting that Bowman is the only driver who waits around to help the team.
Alex is just a kind hearted guy. Real mellow, kind and he is a great driver. Also what he does for dogs too
— Rob S (@rsext97) March 30, 2022
Ain't no "I" in team. Kudos to him because in his post race interview, he said he wasn't feeling well.
— Eric Feagley (@EricFeagley) March 30, 2022
He seems like a complete team member. No ego. Love that @Alex_Bowman and he gets bonus points for loving doggos
— Syl baby (@syl_baby) March 31, 2022
This stuff is great to see!! I’m already a fan but become a bigger one every week it seems like! @Alex_Bowman is a good egg!
— tfoolery (@tfoolery1) March 30, 2022
The more I see of Bowman, the more I like him. Hopefully he has a long career at HMS
— Carson Biggerstaff (@CarsonBiggerst4) March 31, 2022
Other drivers must be helping out their own teams as well, or at least offering assistance. Some other fans also observed that Bowman is actually quite an approachable driver. Another response read, “Have been a Bowman fan since he filled in for Dale Jr. He is a class act! Love his sense of humor and how he handles adversity! There are seasoned drivers who could learn a few things from him.”
I’ve been a fan of his since I ran into him at the infield BBQ joint at Loudon just before his first start fill in for Dale. He was using the public bathroom just like everyone else. I wished him luck and he stopped and said “hey thanks, I appreciate that”.
— James Martin (@jamesshred1) March 30, 2022
Bowman is getting better every week and he’s putting in the effort to help his team out which I think gains him a ton of respect there! His crew is going to battle for him !!
— Brian childs (@bman_childs) March 30, 2022
That is because he knows what it is like packing up at end of night since he also helps his sprint car team when he runs that!
— Pat Aukerman (@ohsprintcarfan) March 31, 2022
I have really become a fan of this young man – definitely talented behind the wheel but it is his character & attitude that I admire! Love his t-shirt humor too! Thanks 4 sharing this behind the scene shot!
— Tami Collins (@VyletteZyn) March 30, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
That’s the way it should be done! New found respect for Bowman!
— Matthew Connell (@HammerTime_81MC) March 30, 2022
Some others also observed that Rick Hendrick has quite a strategy for hiring people. Aside from their talent, there is also some emphasis placed on their personality. There were suggestions that this kind of thought process is what keeps HMS on top every year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
READ MORE: Kyle Larson Says Hendrick Motorsports Teammate Alex Bowman Simply Had a Better Car in COTA
It also explained why he worked hard to make Jeff Gordon an integral cog of the organization. Coming back to Alex Bowman though, the driver has some experience in pacing up his sprint car, so it must be a force of habit for him.
