Alex Bowman returned to Chicago this weekend facing intense playoff pressure similar to last year when he captured a crucial win at the Chicago Street Race. As a Hendrick Motorsports driver, Bowman is hoping to replicate his previous success on the challenging urban circuit to solidify his place in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.
Currently positioned just 39 points above the playoff cutline and only 16 points ahead of rival Bubba Wallace who sits on the bubble, Bowman knows a victory in the Windy City this Sunday would nearly guarantee his postseason berth.
How Bowman’s 2023 Chicago Win Became a Pivotal Moment
Last year’s Chicago Street Race was heavily impacted by rain, causing multiple delays and a weather-shortened contest. Bowman’s performance improved significantly as the track dried, allowing him to claim the checkered flag in his No. 48 Chevrolet nearly three seconds ahead of Tyler Reddick, who finished second.
This victory was Bowman’s first of the 2023 season and instantly secured his playoff eligibility. Beyond on-track success, the win helped ease scrutiny surrounding his future with Hendrick Motorsports, ending months of speculation.
I think there was a lot of rumors started by people that maybe don’t really know what they’re talking about in a sense, but at the same time, I think it was really important to make the playoffs and to finish the year strong, right?
—Alex Bowman, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
So yeah, I think that race was just important in general for the race team to end the season strong and, obviously, start this year strong as well. … I think it was just important for the team, and it was definitely a good day for us.
—Alex Bowman, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Confidence and Conditions Shape Bowman’s Outlook for This Year
Heading into the third annual Chicago Street Race, Bowman carries momentum from recent solid finishes, including third place in Atlanta, fourth in Mexico City, and 11th at Pocono. These results offer a sharp rebound from a string of poor performances earlier this season, demonstrating renewed competitiveness on both road courses and ovals alike.
Starting 11th on the grid, Bowman is optimistic but aware that the unpredictable Chicago weather could again influence the race’s outcome. Although he showed strong command in rain last year, he hopes this time the contest takes place in dry conditions, which he believes would yield even better racing for drivers and spectators alike.
As far as confidence coming into this race, I feel like we’re plenty capable,
Bowman remarked.
We’re typically pretty good at the road courses and have a lot of confidence coming into these places. The weather looks similar (to 2024), so that adds a layer of confidence. I thought we were pretty good in the rain. We were really good as it started to kind of dry out and get patchy.
So, yeah, I think we’re definitely confident.
—Alex Bowman, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Bowman expressed his preference for dry conditions this weekend. Hopefully, it’s dry, he said.
I feel like the fans here deserve to just get a normal race. I think we could put on a great show in the dry. Probably a little better than we do in the rain.
—Alex Bowman, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Implications of Another Chicago Victory for Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports
Capturing back-to-back wins at the Chicago Street Race would significantly boost Bowman’s playoff chances and send a strong message about his consistency and resilience during a season of fluctuating results. For Hendrick Motorsports, a repeat victory would reinforce the strength of their No. 48 Chevrolet team and underscore Bowman’s role as a key contender within their lineup.
With a demanding playoff picture shaping up, success in Chicago is more than just a win; it is a vital step towards championship hopes. As Bowman aims to avoid the pressure cooker situations of last season, the result of Sunday’s race could influence both his momentum and the strategic approach for the remainder of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule.