Former NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick has commended Alex Bowman for his resilience and mental toughness after a difficult end to his 2024 playoff run. Despite the disheartening disqualification at the Charlotte Roval, Bowman bounced back with an impressive performance at Las Vegas, showing that the HMS driver isn’t ready to give up just yet.
Bowman’s 2024 season was shaping up to be one of redemption. After a challenging year filled with rumors about his future with Hendrick Motorsports, Bowman had fought his way into the playoffs and looked set for a strong run. But things took a drastic turn after his No. 48 Chevy was disqualified post-race at the Roval for being underweight, stripping him of his Round of 8 spot and handing it to another contender, who went on to win at Las Vegas and secure a spot in the Championship 4.
Bowman, understandably furious about the DQ, reacted by tossing his phone into a pool in frustration. However, despite the disappointment, he managed to refocus and deliver a solid performance in Las Vegas, something that Harvick, the 2014 Cup champion, took note of on his recent podcast episode.
“When you think about it from Alex’s standpoint, what a year,” Harvick said. “With all the talk about losing his job, getting thrown out of the playoffs after making the playoffs, and everything he’s had to mentally go through… The guy is obviously pretty mentally tough because he went to Vegas this week and ran well.”
Harvick highlighted how difficult it is for a driver to stay composed under such pressure, especially after the dramatic season Bowman has endured. From questions about his future with Hendrick Motorsports to being ousted from the playoffs after what seemed like a promising run, Bowman’s ability to stay focused and deliver a strong showing in Las Vegas impressed Harvick.
“Showed up to perform and did what he was supposed to do from his standpoint,” Harvick continued. “What a tough position to be in… to deal with everything he’s dealt with this year and still go out on the racetrack and perform.”
Harvick also weighed in on Hendrick Motorsports’ decision not to appeal Bowman’s disqualification at the Roval, suggesting that the lack of an appeal indicated the team knew they were in the wrong. Jeff Gordon, the team’s vice chairman, admitted that they had “cut it too close” with their setup, further confirming that HMS had made a mistake. Harvick appreciated the team’s honesty in owning up to the error rather than drawing out the process.
“I was surprised, but it also told me that they were guilty,” Harvick said. “I love the fact that Jeff Gordon said, ‘Hey, we cut it too close. We put ourselves out there, and that’s it,’ and that’s the end of the story.”
Despite the setbacks, the 2024 season isn’t over for Bowman. While he may no longer be in contention for the championship, he still has the opportunity to help his Hendrick teammates push for the title. With two races remaining, Bowman could play a crucial role by either supporting his teammates or potentially playing spoiler by securing race wins and altering the playoff dynamics.
With his mental fortitude on full display, Bowman’s journey this season serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there’s always room to fight back.
