In November 2012, the NASCAR world witnessed an adrenaline-fueled showdown between racing giants Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer at the Phoenix Raceway. The penultimate race of the season, the AdvoCare 500, was already a thrilling spectacle, with Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski, and Bowyer battling it out for the Cup Series Championship. However, it was the fiery clash between Gordon and Bowyer that would etch this race into NASCAR history.
As the race neared its dramatic conclusion, on lap 310, the tension escalated when Bowyer and Gordon’s cars made contact. The collision led to Gordon’s car hitting the wall. NASCAR officials, deeming Gordon responsible for the incident, decided to park him. The decision did not sit well with the four-time NASCAR champion, who, fueled by rage, decided to settle the score on the track itself.
Gordon’s retaliation was swift and fierce. He intentionally turned Bowyer’s No. 15 car, leading him to slide into the outer wall. The iconic Dupont car sustained significant damage, prompting NASCAR to black-flag Gordon. Still, the 4-time champion was determined to even the score with Bowyer.
The drama didn’t end there. As Gordon exited his car in the garage, he was confronted by the No. 15 pit crew. Accusing him of destroying Bowyer’s championship aspirations, an intense brawl erupted between the pit crews of both drivers.
Bowyer, realizing his championship dreams were slipping away, was furious. He dashed across the race track to Gordon’s pit box, ready to confront him for his actions. However, before he could reach Gordon, officials intervened.
The consequences of this heated exchange were severe. NASCAR slapped a hefty fine of $100,000 on Gordon, docked him 25 driver’s points, and put him on probation until the end of the year. Bowyer’s crew chief, Brian Pattie, also faced a $25,000 fine and probation until December, while Gordon’s crew chief Alan Gustafson received a similar penalty. Team owner Rick Hendrick was docked 25 owner points.
When reflecting on the incident, Gordon stated, “Clint’s run into me numerous times during this year and I just had enough and got him back,” referring to an earlier incident between the two at Martinsville.
Despite their intense rivalry on the track, Gordon and Bowyer have managed to transform their relationship off the track. In 2021, Bowyer joined FOX as a broadcaster where Gordon was already working. Their evolved relationship is a testament to the dynamic nature of NASCAR relationships.
Their on-air banter often includes playful jabs and references to their infamous Phoenix 2012 incident, indicating their rivalry has morphed into a friendly rapport. Bowyer once quipped during a broadcast, “There’s your side, and there’s my side, and then my side’s right, then there’s the truth…Your side is literally out of your mind,” referring to their ‘incident.’
The saga of Gordon and Bowyer serves as a fascinating insight into the high-stakes world of racing. It underscores that emotions run high in this intense sport, but at the end of the day, unexpected friendships can emerge from bitter rivalries.