Michigan International Speedway: Alex Bowman’s Day Ends Early in Multi-Car Crash
Brooklyn, MI — Alex Bowman’s race at Michigan International Speedway concluded prematurely following a significant multi-car incident on lap 67 of 200 during the NASCAR Cup Series event. The crash unfolded during a chaotic restart, thrusting Bowman and several competitors into a difficult situation.
The collision originated when Ty Dillon, Josh Berry, Daniel Suarez, and Riley Herbst battled four-wide into Turn 1. As Suarez and Herbst drifted back, cars behind them became stacked. Ryan Preece maneuvered past the pair, but Cole Custer faced challenges in the middle lane. While attempting to navigate beneath them, Custer made contact with Austin Cindric, sending him sliding into Bowman and Suarez. Custer’s car then continued sliding, striking pole winner Chase Briscoe.
Bowman, racing in the top 30, was hit in the left-front and crashed head-on into the Turn 2 wall. "Looks like the No. 41 got loose, or the No. 2 got into him," Bowman remarked, recalling the sudden nature of the crash. "At that point, you’re just along for the ride. Couldn’t really do anything but think, ‘Oh boy, this is about to hurt really bad.’"
NASCAR displayed a red flag to facilitate safety measures and allow personnel to assist Bowman. The Hendrick Motorsports driver exited his damaged No. 48 Chevrolet independently and was transported to the infield care center. "Yeah, that hurt a lot," Bowman admitted post-accident. "That was probably top of the board on hits I’ve taken."
This crash not only underscored Bowman’s ongoing struggles, including recent injuries that sidelined him for five races last year and a fractured vertebra earlier this season, but it also deeply impacted his playoff aspirations. Bowman finished 36th, a significant setback after entering the weekend 12th in the standings and 45 points above the provisional playoff cutline.
The No. 48 team now turns its focus to the upcoming race in Mexico City, hoping to reset after a challenging two months and recapture momentum in the championship chase.
