The Chili Bowl Nationals, often dubbed the “Super Bowl of Midget Racing,” is a grueling yet prestigious affair. For Alex Bowman, the event isn’t just a nostalgic trip back to his roots as a two-time USAC dirt midget champion; it’s a high-stakes challenge as a team owner. With four entries under Alex Bowman Racing, supported by Ally Financial, Bowman has assembled a dream team of drivers. But his recent comments suggest the experience has been anything but smooth.
Bowman’s Lineup: Strong on Paper, Heavy on Stress
Bowman’s team features a mix of seasoned Chili Bowl veterans and promising talent:
- Jake Swanson, CJ Leary, and Kevin Thomas Jr. bring experience to the table, having raced in the Chili Bowl before.
- Briggs Danner, a two-time USAC East Coast Sprint Car champion, adds young firepower to the lineup.
While the roster screams potential, Bowman’s role as a hands-on team owner has taken a toll. Speaking to FloRacing, Bowman admitted the intense workload of managing, preparing, and maintaining four cars has pushed him to his limits. “Our parts bill is very high, my back hurts…from leaning over working on Midgets,” Bowman confessed.
“My Back Hurts, But Not Like That” – A Nod to the Past
Bowman’s quip about back pain was quickly clarified to prevent concern among fans. It’s no secret that his 2023 High Limit Racing accident in Iowa, which fractured his vertebrae and sidelined him for four Cup races, still casts a shadow. But Bowman reassured fans that his current discomfort stems from the physical demands of working on concrete floors, not a recurrence of his previous injury.
He lightened the mood by joking about his contributions as a mechanic:
“My back hurts from carrying these guys on my back all week.”
Bowman’s Ownership Fatigue: A One-and-Done Attempt?
Bowman’s comments hinted that the demands of fielding four entries might be too much for him to repeat. “We are shrinking. We need to shrink. This is too much,” he admitted, suggesting that 2025 could be his last Chili Bowl attempt as a team owner in its current form.
The sheer scale of the event—featuring over 360 drivers competing in countless heats—places immense strain on teams, and Bowman’s frustration reflects the logistical and physical grind.
Kyle Larson vs. Alex Bowman: A Rivalry Rekindled
Interestingly, Bowman took a playful jab at two-time Chili Bowl champion Kyle Larson, claiming he was handling the week better than his Hendrick Motorsports teammate. Larson, who’s competing in the Chili Bowl as a driver, has faced his own share of struggles, further highlighting the event’s intensity.
Debate: Is Bowman Overextending Himself?
Bowman’s foray into team ownership at the Chili Bowl raises a pertinent question: Is he taking on too much?
Arguments For:
- Managing four entries at an event like the Chili Bowl is a monumental task, even with a strong support team.
- His physical strain and financial concerns suggest that scaling back could improve efficiency and performance.
- Balancing his full-time NASCAR Cup Series career and off-track ventures may spread him too thin.
Arguments Against:
- Bowman’s passion for grassroots racing and his history in midget cars could drive long-term success as a team owner.
- His partnership with Ally Financial offers financial backing that many dirt racing teams lack.
- Building a successful program now could pay dividends in future Chili Bowls, solidifying Alex Bowman Racing’s legacy.
Final Thoughts
Alex Bowman’s 2025 Chili Bowl experience has been a lesson in endurance—both on and off the track. While his team’s potential is undeniable, the toll of running such a large operation has left the Hendrick Motorsports star questioning his future in this role. Whether this year marks a turning point or a farewell for Bowman’s ownership ambitions, one thing is clear: the Chili Bowl remains one of the most challenging and rewarding events in all of motorsports.
