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When William Byron crossed the finish line at the Daytona 500, he wasn’t sure whether he was on the wrong end of a one-two finish with Alex Bowman.
Turns out it was a storybook ending at NASCAR’s Super Bowl. That is, unless your name is Bowman.
Still, Bowman, the lowest driver on the totem pole on owner Rick Hendrick’s team, said he was pleased with the team’s performance.
“We had a shot at it, and that’s all you can ask for at these speedway races,” Bowman said after the race. “Happy for William. Wish it was us. But still a great day for Hendrick Motorsports. I’m not salty at all. To be that close to a Daytona 500 win is a little heartbreaking, for sure. But it’s much worse to not have a shot at all at it, right?”
If this were any other race, the sting might not be as severe. It was the Daytona 500, though. Bowman did not sound like a driver who just had his heart ripped out of his chest, but toeing the company line is a solid play for him.
The finish was something out of a Disney movie, and Hendrick knew one of his cars had won, but he wasn’t sure which driver he would be celebrating with in victory lane.
The caution flag came out at the start of the final lap, freezing the running order. Officials quickly determined that it was indeed Byron who finished ahead of his teammate to win the 66th edition of the Great American Race.
Byron, 26, gave Hendrick his ninth Daytona 500 win, tying Petty Enterprises for the most in history. Because of weather delay moving the race to February 20, it was exactly 40 years ago to the day that Hendrick made its first NASCAR Cup Series start.
“I’m telling you, you couldn’t write the script any better,” Hendrick told Fox Sports. “The 24 in 24. When we think about coming down here the first time, we didn’t think we should be here. We felt so out of place. And to win this on the 40th anniversary, to the day, tying the record now, it’s awesome.”
The race win also secured a playoff spot for Byron. It’s just salt in the wound for Bowman, who is desperately seeking a bounce back season after missing the playoffs last year.
Alex Bowman Struggled During the 2023 Season
Though he missed three races in 2023 with a back injury, he failed to win a race last season and had just four top-5 finishes, leading a grand total of 89 laps in 33 races. His 17.2 average finishing position was his worst since joining Hendrick as a full-time driver in 2018.
The 2023 season was the most frustrating of Bowman’s Cup career, but he is ready for a reset. His 20th place result in the championship standings were a reflection of missed opportunities and the team’s failure to execute. There is chemistry and familiarity within the 48 team, with crew chief Blake Harris returning to call the shots.
It has been nearly two years since Bowman has been to victory lane. Since winning March 6, 2022, in Las Vegas, puts his winless streak is at 63 races. Bowman’s contract with Hendrick runs through the 2026 season, so while there is concern with performance, his job is not in jeopardy.
The Road Ahead Looks Bright
The good news for Bowman is that he can build on this momentum early in the season. Looking at the next 10 races, he has won at four (Las Vegas, Richmond, Martinsville, Dover) of those tracks. While he may not have the pedigree and accolades that his teammates possess, he has the same equipment and resources at his disposal.
A Daytona 500 win certainly would have Bowman in a different light heading into the race next weekend at Atlanta, but this should serve as motivation and a confidence booster for the driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet. Bowman is a 3-time Daytona 500 pole sitter, and has started on the front row six times. He has seven career Cup victories.
The streak will end, it’s just a matter of when. The nightmares of this runner-up result may take a bit longer to subside.
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