The upcoming battle between Alex Bowman and Bubba Wallace will take center stage when the NASCAR Cup Series hits Chicago for the third race in the city, creating a pivotal moment in the Alex Bowman Chicago NASCAR playoff battle. As competitors on the challenging streets, Bowman, last year’s winner, and Wallace are both precariously positioned above the playoff elimination line, making their performances on Sunday crucial to their postseason hopes.
Competitors Cling to Playoff Hopes Ahead of Grant Park 165
Alex Bowman, piloting the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, is set to defend his 2023 victory at the Grant Park 165, scheduled for Sunday afternoon. This event also doubles as the second round of NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge, where Bowman is matched directly against Bubba Wallace. Entering the race, Bowman maintains a 39-point cushion above the elimination threshold, while Wallace sits just 23 points safe from the cutoff.
Bowman’s advancement in the Challenge followed a solid third-place result last weekend at EchoPark Speedway, with his position made even more secure after an early crash took Joey Logano—his competition—out of contention. Speaking after his finish, Bowman remarked,
“I’ll take it for, for sure, and we’ll keep on digging at it,”
—Alex Bowman, Driver.
Wallace progressed in similar fashion, keeping his car running after Daniel Suarez, his head-to-head rival, was also sidelined in the same multi-car wreck that impacted Logano. Although Wallace only managed a 22nd place finish, it was enough to keep his playoff hopes alive for now.
Securing a Playoff Spot Grows More Difficult for Bubble Drivers
The focus for both Bowman and Wallace remains on clinching a playoff berth as the regular season nears its conclusion, with only eight races remaining. The situation is tense as just two new winners from below their ranking could knock both drivers out of playoff contention, especially if neither finds themselves in Victory Lane in the final stretch.
The scenario becomes particularly precarious if proven competitors like AJ Allmendinger or Erik Jones win any of the remaining races—especially at tracks like Chicago, Sonoma, Watkins Glen, or Daytona, where they’ve had previous successes. These hypotheticals add immense pressure for Bowman and Wallace to push for victories and not simply rely on points.
For Bowman, a win in Chicago would secure his place. He’s eager to replicate last year’s result, sharing,
“Going back to Chicago is pretty special,”
—Alex Bowman, Driver. He continued,
“That win last year was huge for me and this 48 team. It was one of those races where everything came together at the right time.”
—Alex Bowman, Driver.
Looking ahead to this weekend’s return, Bowman also reflected on the unique challenge presented by the course:
“The street course is such a unique challenge, and the atmosphere is unlike anything else we see all year. I’m excited to get back there, defend that win, and hopefully keep building momentum for the Playoff push.”
—Alex Bowman, Driver.
Rising Competition on the Streets: Van Gisbergen Returns as a Threat
Shane van Gisbergen, who made headlines with a victory at his NASCAR Cup debut in last year’s Grant Park 165, is expected to be a key contender. Although his 2024 Cup outing in Chicago ended in an early crash, van Gisbergen has accumulated notable experience, including last year’s Xfinity Series win on the same roads. His confidence remains high stepping into this weekend, declaring,
“We should be very strong this weekend,”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver. He added perspective on the escalating level of competition,
“I know everyone is going to be better. Last year was a big step up on competition, and I know this year will be, too.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver.
Focusing on his team’s preparations, van Gisbergen stated,
“We just have to continue to focus on us. We’ve prepped very hard, spent last week’s simulator time on Chicago, so hopefully we get there this weekend and are solid.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver.
Historical Context and What’s at Stake in Chicago
Other notable names to watch for include Ty Gibbs, Michael McDowell, and Kyle Busch, as these drivers have the distinction of finishing among the top 10 in both previous Chicago Street Races. Weather conditions have influenced both past events, with rain tires featuring in each race, adding another strategic layer for teams and drivers as they prepare for Sunday’s showdown.
This year’s Grant Park 165 will not only test drivers’ street-racing prowess but will also serve as a turning point in the Cup Playoff chase. As the regular season winds down, bubble drivers like Bowman and Wallace are under increasing pressure to perform, with each race becoming pivotal for their playoff aspirations. The Alex Bowman Chicago NASCAR playoff battle captures the intensity and emotion of the season, setting the stage for dramatic developments on Chicago’s city streets.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Alex Bowman have a brain injury?
A. Bowman said on NBC after his win, “I hurt my back and had a head injury, and we haven’t done well since then.”
Q. Why did Alex Bowman fail his inspection?
A. A few hours after the race ended, NASCAR said that Bowman’s Chevrolet did not pass inspection because of a weight problem.
Brad Moran, who is the Cup Series managing director, shared in a video that the No. 48 car was not heavy enough to meet the rules.