LIVE FROM THE GARAGE: ALEX BOWMAN’S ROAD TO REDEMPTION AND HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS’ INJURY WOES
The past three years have been a turbulent journey for Alex Bowman, the Hendrick Motorsports driver known for his resilience and talent behind the wheel. From career-threatening injuries to a disqualification at the Roval, Bowman has weathered storms that tested his physical and mental fortitude. As the 2025 season approaches, the No. 48 driver and his team are gearing up to turn their hard-learned lessons into triumphs.
Bowman’s Rollercoaster Ride
The 2024 season marked a much-needed comeback for Bowman. After missing playoffs in the previous two years due to injuries and setbacks, he managed to secure a win at the Chicago Street Race and finished in the top 10 of the standings. Bowman reflected on his struggles and recovery in an interview with Racer:
“I don’t know if I questioned myself, but after two back-to-back bigger injuries, it’s easy to get in that spot. It wasn’t much fun, especially (because) we were so good before I broke my back and came back. And then we were good for like two weeks and terrible the rest of the season,” Bowman said.
His triumph in Chicago, coupled with five top-10 finishes in the last 10 races, reignited confidence in the Hendrick camp. “This year, we didn’t start well, but we turned it around pretty quickly. I think we’ve done a lot of the right things, and being on the other side of it definitely feels good,” Bowman added.
From Concussions to Comebacks
Bowman’s journey has been far from smooth. In 2022, a concussion from a crash at Texas Motor Speedway derailed a strong season where he was a playoff contender. Despite a valiant effort to return for the season finale, he finished 16th in the standings.
The following year, Bowman suffered another blow when he fractured a vertebra during a High Limit Racing event in Iowa. This injury sidelined him for critical races, resulting in a disappointing 20th-place finish in the standings—the worst of his career since joining Hendrick Motorsports full-time in 2018.
A Team Battling Injury Challenges
Bowman isn’t the only Hendrick Motorsports driver to face injury setbacks. Chase Elliott had a disastrous 2023 season after a snowboarding accident sidelined him early in the year. Although he received a playoff waiver, Elliott couldn’t regain his momentum, missing the postseason entirely.
These incidents have sparked debates among fans and insiders about whether Rick Hendrick should implement stricter rules regarding off-track activities. While teams like Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) temporarily banned their drivers from competing outside NASCAR, a similar move seems unlikely for HMS. Drivers like Kyle Larson, who owns the High Limit Racing Series, have made it clear they value their extracurricular racing opportunities.
“I make a good chunk of money racing, selling merchandise at the dirt tracks. I get to race in front of a lot of fans who might not get to see me at a NASCAR race. I weigh it all,” Larson said, defending his decision to continue dirt racing.
Even Elliott has indicated he won’t give up snowboarding, despite his injuries. Hendrick Motorsports faces the delicate task of balancing driver freedom with minimizing risks to keep their Cup Series ambitions on track.
A Glimpse of Hope for 2025
As the 2025 season looms, Hendrick Motorsports is determined to build on the progress made in 2024. The team aims to end Team Penske’s recent dominance while ensuring their drivers stay healthy and competitive.
For Alex Bowman, the challenges of the past three years have forged a more determined and focused driver. His victory in Chicago and late-season resurgence offer hope that he and HMS can return to championship contention.
So, what do you think? Can Hendrick Motorsports reclaim the Cup Series title in 2025? With their star-studded lineup of Bowman, Elliott, Larson, and William Byron, the potential is undeniable—but the road ahead will require resilience, teamwork, and a little luck to avoid the pitfalls of the past.
