Alex Bowman confesses he enjoys watching confrontations between drivers from the outside.
The competition between the top drivers and the collisions they have on the track to establish dominance over each other has always been a major attraction for NASCAR fans. From intense confrontations involving one driver against another, the sport has witnessed some iconic rivalries. However, currently, NASCAR is lacking in exciting rivalries.
Alex Bowman, a member of Hendrick Motorsports, was recently asked about a rivalry he would like to witness on the track. He expressed his interest in confrontations that do not involve himself. After careful consideration, he suggested that a confrontation between Kyle Larson and his teammate at HMS would be highly entertaining. Although Larson and Hamlin are close friends, their shared determination to win makes a confrontation between them a possibility.
Denny Hamlin, currently considered the ultimate antagonist in NASCAR, has had notable conflicts with all HMS drivers, including Bowman. Therefore, it would not be surprising if a rivalry between Kyle Larson and Hamlin materialized, as imagined by the driver of the Chevy No. 48. The Chevy No. 5 also played a role in transforming Hamlin into a villain.
Before the COTA Cup race, Hamlin had a conversation with a former NASCAR Cup champion about his journey to becoming a villain. During this discussion, he mentioned that his confrontation with Kyle Larson at Pocono in 2023 and the negative response from fans made him embrace the role of villain. He realized there was no way to regain the favor of those fans.
As Alex Bowman pointed out, Hamlin and Larson have the necessary storyline to create a fun rivalry. If executed correctly, this could greatly benefit NASCAR, as increased entertainment value will attract more fans.
