Alex Bowman Achieves Strong Finish in Mexico City After Recovery from Harrowing Crash
Mexico City, Mexico — Alex Bowman not only participated in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race this weekend but excelled, finishing fourth despite suffering significant injuries from a head-on crash just a week prior. The incident at Michigan International Speedway measured over 50G, resulting in back pain that nearly sidelined the driver. Hendrick Motorsports placed Anthony Alfredo on standby, anticipating Bowman’s potential withdrawal.
Bowman’s performance was a testament to his resilience. “I’m just proud of the whole Ally [No.] 48 team. I put us behind this week – I couldn’t walk on Wednesday, missing all my sim stuff and meetings,” Bowman recounted. His determination led to his first top-10 finish in over a month, crucial for both his confidence and the team’s morale.
During the race, Bowman qualified 29th and navigated the challenging 15-turn road course with skill, avoiding the common pitfalls that plagued other competitors. A late caution on lap 65 set him up nicely after his final pit stop on lap 63, allowing him to restart in the second row. Although he briefly assumed the runner-up position, he ultimately settled into fourth place behind winner Shane van Gisbergen.
“This No. 48 Ally Chevrolet team deserves a run like this after everything they’ve dealt with,” Bowman stated, reflecting on the team’s努力 and previous struggles. His finding of competitive form on road courses is notable; he finished ninth at Circuit of The Americas earlier this season.
As the series moves forward, Bowman looks ahead to upcoming road and street courses, expressing confidence in the team’s strategy and performance. “I feel like road course racing has become a strong suit for the No. 48 team,” he indicated, underscoring their potential for future success at venues like Chicago, where he is the defending champion.
Bowman’s fourth-place finish marks a significant rebound for both him and his team, highlighting their ability to thrive in adversity and laying the groundwork for continued improvement in the season ahead.
