Alex Bowman, the Hendrick Motorsports driver, has been dealing with severe lower back pain following a crash at the Michigan Cup Series race earlier this month. Despite the discomfort, he reported feeling improved as he prepared for the NASCAR Cup event at Pocono Raceway on June 22, continuing to compete at a high level amid his injury situation.
The 32-year-old completed the previous weekend’s Viva Mexico 250 race with a commendable fourth-place finish, even though he was still recovering from the hard impact sustained in Michigan. Bowman admitted uncertainty about racing in Mexico City up until the last moment, facing the challenge of driving 100 laps while managing his physical pain and a recent decline in form over the prior three races.
Heading into the upcoming Pocono race, Bowman gave an update on his condition, acknowledging that while the pain had eased since last week, some discomfort persisted.
“There were times last week that it was the most pain I’ve ever had through anything. Last week was the worst for me, but this week is a little bit annoying, so way better than I was last week. It’s not like I’m running right now or squatting right now, but other than that, I can mostly do everything that I would normally do,” Alex Bowman said via NBC Sports’ Dustin Long on X.
Bowman is set to start from the 25th position on the Pocono grid. His recent strong finish and improvement in health contribute to his optimism about performing well as he continues to vie for a playoff spot in the NASCAR standings.
Kevin Harvick Praises Bowman’s Grit After Challenging Race in Mexico
The week before the Mexico race, Bowman endured a severe crash at Michigan, where his car hit the wall at roughly 150 mph. This accident left him with debilitating back pain severe enough to prevent walking for two days afterward and forced him to miss important routine engagements, including team meetings and simulator sessions.
Despite these setbacks, Bowman pushed through both the physical and mental strain to secure a fourth-place finish at the Mexico City event. His resilience earned recognition from former NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick.
“It was a good day for the 48 to overcome all the things he had to deal with physically. They show flashes of brilliance in moments like this, where we know they can go out and win races and do what they need to do. Good for Alex going out there and making it through the weekend and having a good result to go with it,” Kevin Harvick said via the Happy Hour podcast.
Currently positioned 12th in the NASCAR Cup Series standings with 376 points after 16 races, Bowman is focused on competing strongly at Pocono Raceway. Securing a victory there would significantly enhance his chances of locking in a playoff berth and maintaining momentum in the remainder of the season.
Bowman’s Determination and Outlook for Upcoming Races
Alex Bowman’s persistence in managing his injury while continuing to compete highlights the physical demands placed on NASCAR drivers. His ability to endure pain and maintain competitiveness reflects his commitment to the sport and his team at Hendrick Motorsports.
Starting mid-pack at Pocono, Bowman’s recent performance and recovering condition suggest he remains a formidable contender. A solid finish or potential victory at Pocono could strengthen his standing and improve his position as the NASCAR playoffs approach, making this race a critical moment in his season.