Bryana Heath
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August in the Irish Hills
August 22, 2019
Michigan International Speedway, tucked in the Irish Hills of Brooklyn, Michigan, was the most recent stop on the NASCAR schedule.
As Alex Bowman hit the track known for its high speeds, the No. 88 Chevy seemed to have speed right out of the gate. As practice sessions began on Friday, Bowman quickly made his way toward the top of the leader board, landing inside the top five, with a speed of 188.957mph, placing him P4. However, the No.88 crew struggled a bit with speed in second practice slowing their pace to 188.937mph and dropping to P17. Third practice however saw the No. 88 jump back toward the top of the leader board, placing Bowman in P2 behind Michigan native, Erik Jones. A good qualifying run would place the Axalta Chevy in P4 for the Consumers Energy 400.
With the drop of the green flag, Bowman quickly worked his way toward the front of the field moving into P3 by lap three, reporting a tight car in the center off. The tightness only getting worse for the No. 88, placing Bowman in P7 by lap 23. Pitting on lap 44, Crew Chief Greg Ives called for right side tires only and Sunoco fuel, since MIS tends to be a fuel mileage race. With only six laps remaining in the stage, Bowman held onto P8 and would cross the finish line taking the green white checkered flag, and adding three more playoff points to his name.
During the caution, Ives spoke with Bowman about the adjustments that would need to be made to help create a better driving car. As pit road, opened the team quickly changed left side tires and made a wedge adjustment for the No. 88, getting him third in the race off pit road.
Bowman would take the green and by lap 79, he was reporting that his car was “more on the free side, especially in turns 1 & 2.” He had dropped the No. 88 backwards in the field by two positions, placing them now in P5. With 15 to go in stage 2, Ives called Bowman back to pit road, this time for right side tires and fuel only.
With five laps remaining in the stage, Bowman was back in P5 when a caution came out on the track. The team decided to hit pit road again, taking left side tires this time, and fuel. This dropped the No. 88 back to P17 with two laps remaining in the stage. Bowman lost two positions before taking the second green white checkered this time in P19.
With the final stage coming up the team decided against pitting, placing them to take the green in P13. Racing for position, the caution flag was thrown on lap 131 and Ives called his driver to pit road when it opened for more fuel and four Goodyear tires. This placed Bowman in P22 for the restart before the caution flag once again flew. With another restart Bowman worked his way back up into the top 15 into P13 before a caution on lap 148. With the Axalta Chevy still in P13, Bowman was reporting he had a tight race car. But, it was a fuel only pit stop for the No. 88, and Bowman was on his way, gaining seven positions to restart P6.
By lap 172, Ives began telling Bowman how to save fuel. He dropped back to P12 with 18 laps to go. After saving, Bowman was once again told he should be good on fuel to make it to the end of the race. Picking up the pace after learning this, Bowman worked his way forward moving into P13 with 10 to go. He made it up to P12 with five laps remaining, passing two more cars before the checkered was thrown at lap 200. Bowman finished the day P10 in the Consumers Energy 400.
Next up it’s Bristol weekend for short track racing under the lights.
Follow and chat with me here: @Bryana_Rose
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
August 22, 2019
Michigan International Speedway, tucked in the Irish Hills of Brooklyn, Michigan, was the most recent stop on the NASCAR schedule.
As Alex Bowman hit the track known for its high speeds, the No. 88 Chevy seemed to have speed right out of the gate. As practice sessions began on Friday, Bowman quickly made his way toward the top of the leader board, landing inside the top five, with a speed of 188.957mph, placing him P4. However, the No.88 crew struggled a bit with speed in second practice slowing their pace to 188.937mph and dropping to P17. Third practice however saw the No. 88 jump back toward the top of the leader board, placing Bowman in P2 behind Michigan native, Erik Jones. A good qualifying run would place the Axalta Chevy in P4 for the Consumers Energy 400.
With the drop of the green flag, Bowman quickly worked his way toward the front of the field moving into P3 by lap three, reporting a tight car in the center off. The tightness only getting worse for the No. 88, placing Bowman in P7 by lap 23. Pitting on lap 44, Crew Chief Greg Ives called for right side tires only and Sunoco fuel, since MIS tends to be a fuel mileage race. With only six laps remaining in the stage, Bowman held onto P8 and would cross the finish line taking the green white checkered flag, and adding three more playoff points to his name.
During the caution, Ives spoke with Bowman about the adjustments that would need to be made to help create a better driving car. As pit road, opened the team quickly changed left side tires and made a wedge adjustment for the No. 88, getting him third in the race off pit road.
Bowman would take the green and by lap 79, he was reporting that his car was “more on the free side, especially in turns 1 & 2.” He had dropped the No. 88 backwards in the field by two positions, placing them now in P5. With 15 to go in stage 2, Ives called Bowman back to pit road, this time for right side tires and fuel only.
With five laps remaining in the stage, Bowman was back in P5 when a caution came out on the track. The team decided to hit pit road again, taking left side tires this time, and fuel. This dropped the No. 88 back to P17 with two laps remaining in the stage. Bowman lost two positions before taking the second green white checkered this time in P19.
With the final stage coming up the team decided against pitting, placing them to take the green in P13. Racing for position, the caution flag was thrown on lap 131 and Ives called his driver to pit road when it opened for more fuel and four Goodyear tires. This placed Bowman in P22 for the restart before the caution flag once again flew. With another restart Bowman worked his way back up into the top 15 into P13 before a caution on lap 148. With the Axalta Chevy still in P13, Bowman was reporting he had a tight race car. But, it was a fuel only pit stop for the No. 88, and Bowman was on his way, gaining seven positions to restart P6.
By lap 172, Ives began telling Bowman how to save fuel. He dropped back to P12 with 18 laps to go. After saving, Bowman was once again told he should be good on fuel to make it to the end of the race. Picking up the pace after learning this, Bowman worked his way forward moving into P13 with 10 to go. He made it up to P12 with five laps remaining, passing two more cars before the checkered was thrown at lap 200. Bowman finished the day P10 in the Consumers Energy 400.
Next up it’s Bristol weekend for short track racing under the lights.
Follow and chat with me here: @Bryana_Rose
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
The #Axalta88 team crosses the finish line in 10th place at @MISpeedway □ pic.twitter.com/Z4jDQACcCK
— No. 88 Team (@Hendrick88Team) August 11, 2019
Watkins Glen
August 4, 2019
NASCAR headed to Watkins Glen International this past weekend and threw another road course into the mix. This time on the other side of the country in upstate New York, Alex Bowman and his team got to experience both the right and the left turns once again.
Starting with practice the team looked strong as they took to the top of the charts running P1 with a speed of 125.888mph. This did not last long and by second practice they dropped to P13 on the speed charts, lowering their speed to 124.422mph, with their Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Chase Elliott, placing himself at the top of the leader board. Qualifying allowed the No. 88 team to pick up speed but they were only placed in the top 20 falling into P17 for the start of the Go Bowling at the Glen.
With the drop of the green flag on Sunday, Bowman fell backward in the field briefly. He dropped to P20 before he could climb his way back up. He climbed only up to his qualifying position P17 halfway through the first stage. With three laps remaining, Bowman and the team chose to come down pit road and took four tires, fuel, and made a track bar adjustment for handling. The team took over the last place on the track. He came in P31 as the green-white-checkered waved, because of his pit stop on lap 16. This, however, improved their starting position for stage 2, moving the team all the way up to P4 for the restart.
Bowman continued to race and remained quiet on the radio when a caution was thrown on lap 32 for possible fluid on the track. Keeping the No. 88 Axalta Chevy in P5, Bowman radioed to his team that he was tight in traffic but crew chief Greg Ives called over the radio to stay out during this caution. Bowman restarted in P5 after the caution with another caution coming out on lap 38. Ives told Bowman to save hard. This is how the second stage would come to an end, with the No. 88 team picking up four more stage points for finishing the stage in P7.
Bowman lined up P7 for the final stage and quickly dropped to P8 on the track, and remained quiet on the radio to his team about handling. Just one lap later, on lap 51, Kevin Hamlin, Bowman’s spotter, radioed to the team to notify them of some grass on the grill of the Chevy. Bringing the No. 88 to pit road on lap 58 for their green flag pit stop, Ives called for four tires, fuel, and another adjustment.
After making his way back onto the track, it was not long before another caution was called for cars wrecking on the course. With the No. 88 machine staying out, Bowman would restart in P15 taking the green flag at lap 64. Bowman quickly picked up three positions allowing him to fall into P13 comfortably. With 15 laps remaining Bowman continued to hold his position in P13 before falling one spot with two laps remaining. P14 is where the Axalta Racing No. 88 would cross the line at Watkins Glen with teammate Chase Elliott taking the checkered flag.
August 4, 2019
NASCAR headed to Watkins Glen International this past weekend and threw another road course into the mix. This time on the other side of the country in upstate New York, Alex Bowman and his team got to experience both the right and the left turns once again.
Starting with practice the team looked strong as they took to the top of the charts running P1 with a speed of 125.888mph. This did not last long and by second practice they dropped to P13 on the speed charts, lowering their speed to 124.422mph, with their Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Chase Elliott, placing himself at the top of the leader board. Qualifying allowed the No. 88 team to pick up speed but they were only placed in the top 20 falling into P17 for the start of the Go Bowling at the Glen.
With the drop of the green flag on Sunday, Bowman fell backward in the field briefly. He dropped to P20 before he could climb his way back up. He climbed only up to his qualifying position P17 halfway through the first stage. With three laps remaining, Bowman and the team chose to come down pit road and took four tires, fuel, and made a track bar adjustment for handling. The team took over the last place on the track. He came in P31 as the green-white-checkered waved, because of his pit stop on lap 16. This, however, improved their starting position for stage 2, moving the team all the way up to P4 for the restart.
Bowman continued to race and remained quiet on the radio when a caution was thrown on lap 32 for possible fluid on the track. Keeping the No. 88 Axalta Chevy in P5, Bowman radioed to his team that he was tight in traffic but crew chief Greg Ives called over the radio to stay out during this caution. Bowman restarted in P5 after the caution with another caution coming out on lap 38. Ives told Bowman to save hard. This is how the second stage would come to an end, with the No. 88 team picking up four more stage points for finishing the stage in P7.
Bowman lined up P7 for the final stage and quickly dropped to P8 on the track, and remained quiet on the radio to his team about handling. Just one lap later, on lap 51, Kevin Hamlin, Bowman’s spotter, radioed to the team to notify them of some grass on the grill of the Chevy. Bringing the No. 88 to pit road on lap 58 for their green flag pit stop, Ives called for four tires, fuel, and another adjustment.
After making his way back onto the track, it was not long before another caution was called for cars wrecking on the course. With the No. 88 machine staying out, Bowman would restart in P15 taking the green flag at lap 64. Bowman quickly picked up three positions allowing him to fall into P13 comfortably. With 15 laps remaining Bowman continued to hold his position in P13 before falling one spot with two laps remaining. P14 is where the Axalta Racing No. 88 would cross the line at Watkins Glen with teammate Chase Elliott taking the checkered flag.
□□ had a plenty good lap going to make second round the first lap out and got caught by a caution. Second lap I overslowed the bus stop. Errors on my part really annoy me. On to tomorrow pic.twitter.com/YXq7pzzApy
— Alex Bowman (@AlexBowman88) August 3, 2019
Before heading to Michigan this weekend Bowman sat down to watch the new movie Racing in the Rain. Giving his review of a 10/10 for the movie but, make sure you bring your tissues it is sure to be a real tear-jerker.
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Pocono Raceway
July 28, 2019
Alex Bowman and the No. 88 team headed to Pocono Raceway, also known as the Tricky Triangle, located in the Pocono Mountains this past weekend. With a bad week behind them, Bowman looked forward to the better week. With first practice kicking off the weekend, Bowman seemed to stay consistent in the top 20. Falling into the same pattern for second practice having a speed that placed him in P21. Qualifying for the Gander RV 400 went smoother for the No. 88 as Bowman seemed to pick up speed and placed himself into P12 for the green flag after the cars that failed inspection, nine of them, were moved toward the back of the field.
After taking the green flag, Bowman maintained his position bouncing around in the top 15 for 14 laps before heading to pit road under green, stopping for two tires, fuel, and a track bar adjustment. Placing the No. 88 in P32 as green flag pit stops began for the field. Working his way back up through the field, Bowman managed to stay in front of the leader, Kevin Harvick, to preventing his team from going a lap down. With 10 to go in the stage, Bowman had worked his way back into the top 15, gaining one position before dropping back to P15 to finish the stage. Under yellow, the No. 88 took to pit road for four Goodyear tires, fuel, and a chassis adjustment to help with handling, as Bowman was tight the whole race so far.
Restarting P23, he continued to fight for track position and made his way up to P19 on lap 60. He continued with the forward momentum, and got back into the top 15 once again with 25 laps remaining in stage 2. The yellow flag waved at lap 82 for Bowman’s teammate, Chase Elliott, blowing a right front tire. Crew chief Greg Ives called Bowman to pit road for four tires and fuel, and added tape to the No. 88 Nationwide machine as well. Restarting in P18 Bowman once again quickly worked his way back into the top 15 with 10 laps to go and a mention of rain in the area.
NASCAR decided to throw the caution flag for the weather in the area and Ives made the call for Bowman to stay on the track. The green flag came back out with five laps to go in the stage. Then the caution flag waved for Ryan Blaney spinning and ending the stage with a caution.
Bowman took P9 and two stage points to end the stage. With the third and final stage coming up, Ives once again told his driver to stay out with the Nationwide Chevy restarting in P7. As the green flag waved, Bowman began to fall backwards in the field, loosing five positions by lap 106. The caution was thrown again as Ryan Preece got into the wall on lap 114. Bowman and the team chose to bring the car down pit road and took four tires and fuel with Ives telling Bowman to begin saving for what would be a fuel mileage finish.
With the green flag once again waving, Bowman restarted P17 quickly working his way up to P13 with 32 laps remaining in the race. With 24 laps to go and the No. 88 sitting in P12, fuel strategy started to become a topic of discussion. Bowman worked his way all the way into the top 10 before another caution was thrown, this time for Josh Bilicki for a broken driveshaft. Bowman hit pit road for right side tires and fuel so they could make the end of the race.
With four laps remaining, the green flag would wave with Bowman in P17. But, once again the caution flag waved for Kurt Busch in the wall and then spinning down the track collecting Michael McDowell on the way.
This placed the Gander RV 400 into overtime. Restarting in P17, Bowman fell backwards three positions and would take the checkered flag in P20.
July 28, 2019
Alex Bowman and the No. 88 team headed to Pocono Raceway, also known as the Tricky Triangle, located in the Pocono Mountains this past weekend. With a bad week behind them, Bowman looked forward to the better week. With first practice kicking off the weekend, Bowman seemed to stay consistent in the top 20. Falling into the same pattern for second practice having a speed that placed him in P21. Qualifying for the Gander RV 400 went smoother for the No. 88 as Bowman seemed to pick up speed and placed himself into P12 for the green flag after the cars that failed inspection, nine of them, were moved toward the back of the field.
After taking the green flag, Bowman maintained his position bouncing around in the top 15 for 14 laps before heading to pit road under green, stopping for two tires, fuel, and a track bar adjustment. Placing the No. 88 in P32 as green flag pit stops began for the field. Working his way back up through the field, Bowman managed to stay in front of the leader, Kevin Harvick, to preventing his team from going a lap down. With 10 to go in the stage, Bowman had worked his way back into the top 15, gaining one position before dropping back to P15 to finish the stage. Under yellow, the No. 88 took to pit road for four Goodyear tires, fuel, and a chassis adjustment to help with handling, as Bowman was tight the whole race so far.
Restarting P23, he continued to fight for track position and made his way up to P19 on lap 60. He continued with the forward momentum, and got back into the top 15 once again with 25 laps remaining in stage 2. The yellow flag waved at lap 82 for Bowman’s teammate, Chase Elliott, blowing a right front tire. Crew chief Greg Ives called Bowman to pit road for four tires and fuel, and added tape to the No. 88 Nationwide machine as well. Restarting in P18 Bowman once again quickly worked his way back into the top 15 with 10 laps to go and a mention of rain in the area.
NASCAR decided to throw the caution flag for the weather in the area and Ives made the call for Bowman to stay on the track. The green flag came back out with five laps to go in the stage. Then the caution flag waved for Ryan Blaney spinning and ending the stage with a caution.
Bowman took P9 and two stage points to end the stage. With the third and final stage coming up, Ives once again told his driver to stay out with the Nationwide Chevy restarting in P7. As the green flag waved, Bowman began to fall backwards in the field, loosing five positions by lap 106. The caution was thrown again as Ryan Preece got into the wall on lap 114. Bowman and the team chose to bring the car down pit road and took four tires and fuel with Ives telling Bowman to begin saving for what would be a fuel mileage finish.
With the green flag once again waving, Bowman restarted P17 quickly working his way up to P13 with 32 laps remaining in the race. With 24 laps to go and the No. 88 sitting in P12, fuel strategy started to become a topic of discussion. Bowman worked his way all the way into the top 10 before another caution was thrown, this time for Josh Bilicki for a broken driveshaft. Bowman hit pit road for right side tires and fuel so they could make the end of the race.
With four laps remaining, the green flag would wave with Bowman in P17. But, once again the caution flag waved for Kurt Busch in the wall and then spinning down the track collecting Michael McDowell on the way.
This placed the Gander RV 400 into overtime. Restarting in P17, Bowman fell backwards three positions and would take the checkered flag in P20.
Not the greatest of days, even got sharted on by @RossChastain’s dog. □□□
— Alex Bowman (@AlexBowman88) July 27, 2019
But we made big gains on the car in qualifying. Much better than practice □□♂️□
During the off week, Bowman was asked by Kyle Larson to be taken off his close friends list on Instagram for posting too many memes.
Rule #1 about close friends is not to talk about close friends https://t.co/ws893zGzj3
— Alex Bowman (@AlexBowman88) July 28, 2019
Fans also had the opportunity to choose Bowman’s ride for the Las Vegas playoff race, with four options being chosen for the fan vote.
88 Fans, it’s YOUR TURN to pick the paint scheme @AlexBowman88 will run at @LVMotorSpeedway to kickoff the #NASCARPlayoffs! Vote by using the hashtag of your favorite one below. Voting closes Wednesday, 7/31. Winner will be announced on 8/1! #NW88Alex pic.twitter.com/jwQ9RELlo0
— Nationwide 88 (@nationwide88) July 26, 2019
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
July 21, 2019
New Hampshire Motor Speedway was the next stop for Alex Bowman and the No. 88 team, a track that is not one of Bowman’s favorites and this past weekend did not seem to change his mind. The weekend started Friday afternoon with the car looking like it would be a strong one for the weekend with the No. 88 bringing in P6 on the speed chart.
However, when it came to qualifying later that afternoon, Bowman came to the green flag and lost a driveshaft before crossing the start/finish line. Without making even a lap in qualifying, Bowman and the team had to bring out the backup car, causing them to automatically start the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 from the rear.
With a new day, hopes were that it would bring better luck for the No. 88 Axalta team. Those high hopes did not last long however with Loudon once again proving to be a challenge for Bowman where he crashed his backup car into the wall in final practice. This caused him to have to go to a backup backup car. The No. 48 would now turn into the No. 88 overnight as Bowman now would take over Jimmie Johnson’s backup car for the race. The driver stuck out the heat with his team preparing the car for the race the next day, even bolting in his own headrest.
As race day came, Crew Chief Greg Ives shared with his team, “Guys thanks for everything this weekend. Focus Forward,” before the drop of the green flag. As the green flag flew, Bowman only had one motion and that was forward - moving forward eight positions by lap two and placing him in P29.
Moving even closer to the front by lap 15, the Axalta backup car was scored P26. With the first caution of the day flying at lap 45, Ives called the No. 88 machine to pit road for four tires, fuel, air pressure, and track bar adjustment. However during the stop, the team received a speeding penalty causing them to fall back where they started, the tail end of the field.
Working his way back through the field, Bowman took the green white checkered in P19. Coming back down pit road before the beginning of stage two, the No. 88 elected to make it a four tire and fuel stop and made some adjustments to help with the handling of the car.
Leaving pit road, Bowman fell backwards four positions and would take the green flag for stage two in P23. With a caution on lap 109, Bowman came back down pit road but missed his box and had to come back around, causing the team to roll off P24. Bowman continued to fight his way through the field and by lap 142, he had made his way back into the top 20, being scored in P19 for the restart.
With another caution on lap 144, Bowman was told to stay out and save fuel for the end of stage two allowing the No. 88 to restart in P15 and take home a P14 finish at the end of the stage.
With the final stage coming to green, the No. 88 once again stayed out on the track and would allow them to restart in P5. With Bowman slowly falling backwards in the field being scored P8 on lap 179, Ives radioed that the cars passing him were in fresher tires. With Bowman continuing to stay within the top 10, a caution on lap 264 had the team opt to come visit pit road once again dropping the car back to P15 for the restart.
With Bowman moving the car up to P14, this is where the Axalta Chevy took the checkered flag allowing for a top-15 finish in the place that caused many problems for the team at the beginning of the week.
Follow and chat with me here: @Bryana_Rose
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
July 21, 2019
New Hampshire Motor Speedway was the next stop for Alex Bowman and the No. 88 team, a track that is not one of Bowman’s favorites and this past weekend did not seem to change his mind. The weekend started Friday afternoon with the car looking like it would be a strong one for the weekend with the No. 88 bringing in P6 on the speed chart.
However, when it came to qualifying later that afternoon, Bowman came to the green flag and lost a driveshaft before crossing the start/finish line. Without making even a lap in qualifying, Bowman and the team had to bring out the backup car, causing them to automatically start the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 from the rear.
With a new day, hopes were that it would bring better luck for the No. 88 Axalta team. Those high hopes did not last long however with Loudon once again proving to be a challenge for Bowman where he crashed his backup car into the wall in final practice. This caused him to have to go to a backup backup car. The No. 48 would now turn into the No. 88 overnight as Bowman now would take over Jimmie Johnson’s backup car for the race. The driver stuck out the heat with his team preparing the car for the race the next day, even bolting in his own headrest.
As race day came, Crew Chief Greg Ives shared with his team, “Guys thanks for everything this weekend. Focus Forward,” before the drop of the green flag. As the green flag flew, Bowman only had one motion and that was forward - moving forward eight positions by lap two and placing him in P29.
Moving even closer to the front by lap 15, the Axalta backup car was scored P26. With the first caution of the day flying at lap 45, Ives called the No. 88 machine to pit road for four tires, fuel, air pressure, and track bar adjustment. However during the stop, the team received a speeding penalty causing them to fall back where they started, the tail end of the field.
Working his way back through the field, Bowman took the green white checkered in P19. Coming back down pit road before the beginning of stage two, the No. 88 elected to make it a four tire and fuel stop and made some adjustments to help with the handling of the car.
Leaving pit road, Bowman fell backwards four positions and would take the green flag for stage two in P23. With a caution on lap 109, Bowman came back down pit road but missed his box and had to come back around, causing the team to roll off P24. Bowman continued to fight his way through the field and by lap 142, he had made his way back into the top 20, being scored in P19 for the restart.
With another caution on lap 144, Bowman was told to stay out and save fuel for the end of stage two allowing the No. 88 to restart in P15 and take home a P14 finish at the end of the stage.
With the final stage coming to green, the No. 88 once again stayed out on the track and would allow them to restart in P5. With Bowman slowly falling backwards in the field being scored P8 on lap 179, Ives radioed that the cars passing him were in fresher tires. With Bowman continuing to stay within the top 10, a caution on lap 264 had the team opt to come visit pit road once again dropping the car back to P15 for the restart.
With Bowman moving the car up to P14, this is where the Axalta Chevy took the checkered flag allowing for a top-15 finish in the place that caused many problems for the team at the beginning of the week.
Follow and chat with me here: @Bryana_Rose
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
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Kentucky Recap
July 13, 2019
This past weekend NASCAR headed to the bluegrass state, home of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Speedway. This weeks' weather was looking a lot better with the day of the race showing clear skies and sunshine. As the field got ready for the green flag to be thrown, drivers prepared for the Quaker State 400. Alex Bowman lined up P22 with a qualifying run that he described as poor.
The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Chevy also had some guests who would be watching the No. 88 car that had a special butterfly theme for the weekend.
As Bowman took the green flag, he moved up to P19 with the field having cars that were already going 3 wide on the second lap. The No. 88 machine seemed to hold onto some speed as he continued to move up to P16 by lap 7. All before he began to move backwards again by lap 21 as the car stayed consistently in the top 20.
With 34 to go in stage 1, the caution was thrown for Chase Elliott and a flat right front, allowing Bowman and the team to pit. After pitting, the No. 88 would restart P18 with 28 left to go in the stage. Another caution was thrown, this time for Corey Lajoie spinning. As the stage began to wind down Bowman continued to fall back in the field dealing with handling issues. He took the green white checkered in P26.
Before the start of stage 2, the No. 88 Chevy chose to stay out allowing them to begin in P6 for the stage. This strategy seemed to pay off as Bowman began to climb, staying in the top 10 and reaching as high as P3 before pitting under green with 25 to go in the stage and choosing to take left side tires only.
As the stage began to wind down, Bowman came to pit road again this time taking right side tires and fuel with 11 to go in the second stage due to a tire going down. This caused the No. 88 to finish stage 2 in P26, one lap down.
As the third and final stage began, Bowman had to fight for position for the free pass being a lap down. He fought his way to P24, but the leader continued to pass more cars, making the fight even harder. He gained his lap back and had to pit once again losing the lap he had gained back.
With 20 laps remaining in the stage, Bowman came back in P21 but climbed up to P17 before finally taking the checkered flag in this same position.
Bowman and the No. 88 team now sits P9 in the playoff standings and move on to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 this Sunday.
Bowman also wore Dale Jr’s signature skeleton gloves that are now signed by Bowman and Dale Jr. You can own these gloves and support the Nationwide Children’s Hospital here.
Follow and chat with me here: @Bryana_Rose
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
July 13, 2019
This past weekend NASCAR headed to the bluegrass state, home of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Speedway. This weeks' weather was looking a lot better with the day of the race showing clear skies and sunshine. As the field got ready for the green flag to be thrown, drivers prepared for the Quaker State 400. Alex Bowman lined up P22 with a qualifying run that he described as poor.
The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Chevy also had some guests who would be watching the No. 88 car that had a special butterfly theme for the weekend.
As Bowman took the green flag, he moved up to P19 with the field having cars that were already going 3 wide on the second lap. The No. 88 machine seemed to hold onto some speed as he continued to move up to P16 by lap 7. All before he began to move backwards again by lap 21 as the car stayed consistently in the top 20.
With 34 to go in stage 1, the caution was thrown for Chase Elliott and a flat right front, allowing Bowman and the team to pit. After pitting, the No. 88 would restart P18 with 28 left to go in the stage. Another caution was thrown, this time for Corey Lajoie spinning. As the stage began to wind down Bowman continued to fall back in the field dealing with handling issues. He took the green white checkered in P26.
Before the start of stage 2, the No. 88 Chevy chose to stay out allowing them to begin in P6 for the stage. This strategy seemed to pay off as Bowman began to climb, staying in the top 10 and reaching as high as P3 before pitting under green with 25 to go in the stage and choosing to take left side tires only.
As the stage began to wind down, Bowman came to pit road again this time taking right side tires and fuel with 11 to go in the second stage due to a tire going down. This caused the No. 88 to finish stage 2 in P26, one lap down.
As the third and final stage began, Bowman had to fight for position for the free pass being a lap down. He fought his way to P24, but the leader continued to pass more cars, making the fight even harder. He gained his lap back and had to pit once again losing the lap he had gained back.
With 20 laps remaining in the stage, Bowman came back in P21 but climbed up to P17 before finally taking the checkered flag in this same position.
Bowman and the No. 88 team now sits P9 in the playoff standings and move on to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 this Sunday.
Bowman also wore Dale Jr’s signature skeleton gloves that are now signed by Bowman and Dale Jr. You can own these gloves and support the Nationwide Children’s Hospital here.
Follow and chat with me here: @Bryana_Rose
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
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Coke Zero Sugar 400
July 7, 2019
This past weekend NASCAR headed south to the World Center of Racing otherwise known as Daytona International Speedway for the Coke Zero Sugar 400. The crews however did not gain a very warm welcome with rain in the forecast for almost the whole time they were scheduled to be there. With the 2020 schedule moving the Daytona race from the week of the fourth to the last race of the regular season, Mother Nature showed she had something to say about that.
Practice day seemed to be a nice day, at least for a little while until weather in the area cut the first session short. Alex Bowman was able to keep his speed in the top 15 for the first practice session. Second practice seemed to show faster speeds for the No. 88 moving from 200.263mph to 201.911mph, but he dropped on the leader board to P22 as other cars picked up speed as well.
Next up was qualifying. It was scheduled for July 5, however with lightning becoming present in the area, qualifying was canceled and the field was set due to owners points. This placed Bowman to start the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in P9.
After taking Sunday's green flag, Bowman quickly fell back in the pack placing him into the top 20 with handling issues. He would finish stage 1 in P29. Because of this, the team tried to fix the issues on pit road.
In stage 2, Bowman and the team placed themselves into the top 15 to start and quickly gained ground, moving into the top 10 and gaining as far as P4 by lap 66. Following a caution with 22 laps remaining in the second segment, Bowman once again showed he was hungry for another win, moving past his teammates, Chase Elliott and William Byron, to place himself into P2. He held this position through one more restart with 14 laps to go. The No. 88 team finished segment 2 in what seems to be Bowman’s position, P2 gaining 9 more playoff points.
When segment three began, Bowman raced his way just outside the top 10 until getting caught up in a multi-vehicle accident on lap 118. This caused damage all around the Valvoline Chevy and caused the team to bring Bowman down pit road multiple times for repairs.
This forced the team to have to restart at the back of the pack before cars were called down pit road with severe weather in the area.
NASCAR made the decision to bring out a countdown clock for lightning. After half an hour passed, drivers were called back to their cars.
As soon as drivers climbed back in and were prepared, another lightning strike was present in the area. This made NASCAR throw the lightning clock back out and make the ultimate decision that the race would have to be called.
The No. 88 Valvoline Chevy ended the day in P21 with Bowman stating that the weather "killed their vibes."
As the week continued, Bowman celebrated his first win at Hendrick Motorsports by ringing the victory bell and Axalta presenting him with his winning firesuit, gloves, and shoes. Bowman also unveiled his paint scheme for the Nationwide Kids Chevy that he will be racing at Kentucky Motorspeedway on July 13, 2019.
Follow and chat with me here: @Bryana_Rose
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear
July 7, 2019
This past weekend NASCAR headed south to the World Center of Racing otherwise known as Daytona International Speedway for the Coke Zero Sugar 400. The crews however did not gain a very warm welcome with rain in the forecast for almost the whole time they were scheduled to be there. With the 2020 schedule moving the Daytona race from the week of the fourth to the last race of the regular season, Mother Nature showed she had something to say about that.
Practice day seemed to be a nice day, at least for a little while until weather in the area cut the first session short. Alex Bowman was able to keep his speed in the top 15 for the first practice session. Second practice seemed to show faster speeds for the No. 88 moving from 200.263mph to 201.911mph, but he dropped on the leader board to P22 as other cars picked up speed as well.
Next up was qualifying. It was scheduled for July 5, however with lightning becoming present in the area, qualifying was canceled and the field was set due to owners points. This placed Bowman to start the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in P9.
After taking Sunday's green flag, Bowman quickly fell back in the pack placing him into the top 20 with handling issues. He would finish stage 1 in P29. Because of this, the team tried to fix the issues on pit road.
In stage 2, Bowman and the team placed themselves into the top 15 to start and quickly gained ground, moving into the top 10 and gaining as far as P4 by lap 66. Following a caution with 22 laps remaining in the second segment, Bowman once again showed he was hungry for another win, moving past his teammates, Chase Elliott and William Byron, to place himself into P2. He held this position through one more restart with 14 laps to go. The No. 88 team finished segment 2 in what seems to be Bowman’s position, P2 gaining 9 more playoff points.
When segment three began, Bowman raced his way just outside the top 10 until getting caught up in a multi-vehicle accident on lap 118. This caused damage all around the Valvoline Chevy and caused the team to bring Bowman down pit road multiple times for repairs.
This forced the team to have to restart at the back of the pack before cars were called down pit road with severe weather in the area.
NASCAR made the decision to bring out a countdown clock for lightning. After half an hour passed, drivers were called back to their cars.
As soon as drivers climbed back in and were prepared, another lightning strike was present in the area. This made NASCAR throw the lightning clock back out and make the ultimate decision that the race would have to be called.
The No. 88 Valvoline Chevy ended the day in P21 with Bowman stating that the weather "killed their vibes."
As the week continued, Bowman celebrated his first win at Hendrick Motorsports by ringing the victory bell and Axalta presenting him with his winning firesuit, gloves, and shoes. Bowman also unveiled his paint scheme for the Nationwide Kids Chevy that he will be racing at Kentucky Motorspeedway on July 13, 2019.
Follow and chat with me here: @Bryana_Rose
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear
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Bowman Breaks Through In Chicago
June 30, 2019
One question that Alex Bowman seemed to be asked was when? When would the first win come? After finishing in the top 5 five separate times this season, this same question was being asked by the fans of the #88 as well. Would Chicagoland Speedway be the place where the #88 Hendrick Motorsports machine would see victory lane again?
After qualifying 8th, it seemed as though Bowman was headed toward another top 10 finish for the season. Running three wide in the first lap and even four wide in the second lap, the race was building with excitement. With Bowman pushing the limits, the car began to slowly be pushing him backwards. With the first caution coming out at lap 11, the cars rolled down pit road for significant weather in the area. The race was then placed under a red flag rain delay with a gloomy sky that was almost an emerald green color and downpours that blew through the area.
Once drivers were finally called back to their cars, it was time to see if that dreadful question would be answered today as Bowman pulled off pit road and onto a track that has only given him 2 top 10 finishes in the past. Once again, Bowman rolled off pit road and would restart P4 on lap 16 after being told to stay on the track by crew chief Greg Ives. This is the position Bowman would hold before he was caught from behind and began battling for position on lap 19. As the laps began to count down, the positions began to fall for Bowman as he lost 5 positions and fell to P9 by lap 30.
On lap 48, Bowman called over the radio to his crew stating that his car had no front grip. With two laps to go in the first stage, Bowman fell to P21 with a car that was just too free. However, as leaders began making their green flag pit stops, Bowman gained 12 positions, putting him in P9 to finish out stage one and earning 2 stage points. To start stage 2, the #88 team fell to P11, racing back and forth until a caution that came out on lap 102 for possible fluid on the track.
The team chose to bring the #88 down pit road under the caution for 4 tires, fuel, and adjustments. With the adjustments, the Axalta Chevy began gaining positions, climbing up to P6 with only 35 laps remaining in the second stage. Bowman kept gaining even more track position, placing the team in P5 with 30 to go in stage 2 and crossing the line in P4, finishing the stage with 7 more valuable stage points.
After another pit stop, the team would be set up to start the final stage in P3 on lap 166. With this restart, Bowman was a rocket and shot straight to the lead by lap 170. A caution being called on lap 172 for Kevin Harvick in the wall in turn 2 left Bowman with an important decision to make. Bowman now had lane choice for the restart, which could make or break his lead. With Jimmie Johnson giving him a push on the bottom lane, Bowman held off his teammate to keep the lead on lap 176. As Bowman continued to lead, his lap times continued to improve, putting him as high as 3 seconds ahead of the second place car, the #42 of Kyle Larson.
As the race began to wind down, the nerves started to roll. This could be it. The "when" question could be answered today.
With Larson running the high side and Bowman running the low side, could he hold Larson off? With lap cars beginning to come into play Bowman told his spotter to get the 21 (Paul Menard) out of his lane. Lap cars slowed the #88, allowing Larson to catch him and even pass him with 7 laps remaining. But that did not last long as Bowman battled back, side drafting the #42 and even bumping him before taking the lead back. With the white flag finally waving, Bowman had one lap to go as the #42 slowly faded in his rear view.
As the checkered flag waved, Bowman flashed across the line first. The "when" question was answered by Bowman today; the answer: "now". While celebrating for the fans, Bowman landed the #88 in the mud and the celebration was cut short. When asked how he regrouped to pass Larson back for the lead, Bowman stated that he was just "tired of running in second, I don’t want to do that anymore!"
Bowman picked up his first career Cup win and, with the victory, his place in the Playoffs.
Follow and chat with me here: @Bryana_Rose
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear
June 30, 2019
One question that Alex Bowman seemed to be asked was when? When would the first win come? After finishing in the top 5 five separate times this season, this same question was being asked by the fans of the #88 as well. Would Chicagoland Speedway be the place where the #88 Hendrick Motorsports machine would see victory lane again?
After qualifying 8th, it seemed as though Bowman was headed toward another top 10 finish for the season. Running three wide in the first lap and even four wide in the second lap, the race was building with excitement. With Bowman pushing the limits, the car began to slowly be pushing him backwards. With the first caution coming out at lap 11, the cars rolled down pit road for significant weather in the area. The race was then placed under a red flag rain delay with a gloomy sky that was almost an emerald green color and downpours that blew through the area.
Once drivers were finally called back to their cars, it was time to see if that dreadful question would be answered today as Bowman pulled off pit road and onto a track that has only given him 2 top 10 finishes in the past. Once again, Bowman rolled off pit road and would restart P4 on lap 16 after being told to stay on the track by crew chief Greg Ives. This is the position Bowman would hold before he was caught from behind and began battling for position on lap 19. As the laps began to count down, the positions began to fall for Bowman as he lost 5 positions and fell to P9 by lap 30.
On lap 48, Bowman called over the radio to his crew stating that his car had no front grip. With two laps to go in the first stage, Bowman fell to P21 with a car that was just too free. However, as leaders began making their green flag pit stops, Bowman gained 12 positions, putting him in P9 to finish out stage one and earning 2 stage points. To start stage 2, the #88 team fell to P11, racing back and forth until a caution that came out on lap 102 for possible fluid on the track.
The team chose to bring the #88 down pit road under the caution for 4 tires, fuel, and adjustments. With the adjustments, the Axalta Chevy began gaining positions, climbing up to P6 with only 35 laps remaining in the second stage. Bowman kept gaining even more track position, placing the team in P5 with 30 to go in stage 2 and crossing the line in P4, finishing the stage with 7 more valuable stage points.
After another pit stop, the team would be set up to start the final stage in P3 on lap 166. With this restart, Bowman was a rocket and shot straight to the lead by lap 170. A caution being called on lap 172 for Kevin Harvick in the wall in turn 2 left Bowman with an important decision to make. Bowman now had lane choice for the restart, which could make or break his lead. With Jimmie Johnson giving him a push on the bottom lane, Bowman held off his teammate to keep the lead on lap 176. As Bowman continued to lead, his lap times continued to improve, putting him as high as 3 seconds ahead of the second place car, the #42 of Kyle Larson.
As the race began to wind down, the nerves started to roll. This could be it. The "when" question could be answered today.
With Larson running the high side and Bowman running the low side, could he hold Larson off? With lap cars beginning to come into play Bowman told his spotter to get the 21 (Paul Menard) out of his lane. Lap cars slowed the #88, allowing Larson to catch him and even pass him with 7 laps remaining. But that did not last long as Bowman battled back, side drafting the #42 and even bumping him before taking the lead back. With the white flag finally waving, Bowman had one lap to go as the #42 slowly faded in his rear view.
As the checkered flag waved, Bowman flashed across the line first. The "when" question was answered by Bowman today; the answer: "now". While celebrating for the fans, Bowman landed the #88 in the mud and the celebration was cut short. When asked how he regrouped to pass Larson back for the lead, Bowman stated that he was just "tired of running in second, I don’t want to do that anymore!"
Bowman picked up his first career Cup win and, with the victory, his place in the Playoffs.
Follow and chat with me here: @Bryana_Rose
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear
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Sonoma Raceway
June 23, 2019
As the day began it was bound to be a tough one with 11 turns in this road course and an added carousel. There is a unique way and new skills to driving the car as compared to your average oval track. The Toyota/Save Mart 350 started with the last, "Boogity, boogity, boogity" being given by Darrell Waltrip.
With the wave of the green flag Alex Bowman was off and consistent with his starting position, bouncing back and forth from P12 to P11. Finally, he settled in to P11 for most of the stage. With 8 laps to go, Bowman lacked speed and began to get passed by Aric Almirola and Jimmie Johnson, placing the team P13 with three to go in stage 1. As pit stops began for those drivers choosing to pit to prepare for stage 2, Bowman moved up to P10 as Michael McDowell spun with no caution being thrown. As pit road continued to stay open drivers with a cushion in the points came down which allowed Bowman to pick up three positions placing him in P7. This is where he would finish the stage, gaining the Axalta team four stage points.
After pitting and getting ready for stage 2, the No. 88 team fell backwards and would take the green flag in P20. Falling even further on the restart back two positions to P22. Halfway through the stage the No. 88 team began to pick up positions once again, gaining the two positions he lost in the beginning of the stage. This allowed him to be in P20 with 10 to go.
June 23, 2019
As the day began it was bound to be a tough one with 11 turns in this road course and an added carousel. There is a unique way and new skills to driving the car as compared to your average oval track. The Toyota/Save Mart 350 started with the last, "Boogity, boogity, boogity" being given by Darrell Waltrip.
With the wave of the green flag Alex Bowman was off and consistent with his starting position, bouncing back and forth from P12 to P11. Finally, he settled in to P11 for most of the stage. With 8 laps to go, Bowman lacked speed and began to get passed by Aric Almirola and Jimmie Johnson, placing the team P13 with three to go in stage 1. As pit stops began for those drivers choosing to pit to prepare for stage 2, Bowman moved up to P10 as Michael McDowell spun with no caution being thrown. As pit road continued to stay open drivers with a cushion in the points came down which allowed Bowman to pick up three positions placing him in P7. This is where he would finish the stage, gaining the Axalta team four stage points.
After pitting and getting ready for stage 2, the No. 88 team fell backwards and would take the green flag in P20. Falling even further on the restart back two positions to P22. Halfway through the stage the No. 88 team began to pick up positions once again, gaining the two positions he lost in the beginning of the stage. This allowed him to be in P20 with 10 to go.
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Much like stage 1, cars began coming down pit road with around four laps left to go in the stage. The Axalta Chevy was one of the cars called to pit road leaving after a fuel and four tire stop. This would leave Bowman with a P25 finish in stage 2 but allow him to gain position for the green flag in stage 3 where he would begin P11. With half way left to go, the No. 88 team seemed like they had set themselves up for another top 15, maybe even a top 10, finish.
Staying consistent with P12, Bowman began to lose his power steering with around 26 to go in the final stage. This would begin a battle with the car all the way to the finish line where the No. 88 team still managed to capture a top 15, taking the checkered in P14. Follow and chat with me here: @Bryana_Rose SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear |
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Catching Up
June 19, 2019
Hello race fans,
I’m sure you're wondering why I haven’t written in a while for Alex Bowman and the #88 team. The answer is I have been working on graduating from college!! As NASCAR picks back up from a week off I’ll be picking back up with writing weekly for the team.
It is time to head west this weekend for the NASCAR teams and drivers. First stop on the list is Sonoma Raceway located in the Sonoma mountains of California - this course is not your average track. The road course is set to feature the Toyota/ Save Mart 350 on Sunday June 23, 2019. Bound to be packed full of action and a different set of skills than an oval. Bowman is no stranger to accomplishing the skills needed for a track like this.
Finishing in 9th in his first full time season with Hendricks Motorsports the odds look good for him to pull out another top-10 finish in the Golden State. Bowman has road course experience under his belt with strong finishes at Watkins Glen (14th) and the Charlotte Roval (4th). It would be no surprise if Bowman and the #88 team could pull off their first win in Sonoma. There's momentum, coming off a top-10 finish during the FireKeepers 400 at Michigan International Speedway this past week.
The off week may have been just what the doctor ordered for the team that has been consistently running in the top 15 for the past 8 races. This includes three second-place finishes at Talladega, Dover, and Kansas. Keep an eye out for this #88 team that is sitting in 10th for the playoffs and only seems to be getting stronger as we get closer to Darlington.
Follow and chat with me here: @Bryana_Rose
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear
Happy 50th Anniversary, Sonoma!!
June 19, 2019
Hello race fans,
I’m sure you're wondering why I haven’t written in a while for Alex Bowman and the #88 team. The answer is I have been working on graduating from college!! As NASCAR picks back up from a week off I’ll be picking back up with writing weekly for the team.
It is time to head west this weekend for the NASCAR teams and drivers. First stop on the list is Sonoma Raceway located in the Sonoma mountains of California - this course is not your average track. The road course is set to feature the Toyota/ Save Mart 350 on Sunday June 23, 2019. Bound to be packed full of action and a different set of skills than an oval. Bowman is no stranger to accomplishing the skills needed for a track like this.
Finishing in 9th in his first full time season with Hendricks Motorsports the odds look good for him to pull out another top-10 finish in the Golden State. Bowman has road course experience under his belt with strong finishes at Watkins Glen (14th) and the Charlotte Roval (4th). It would be no surprise if Bowman and the #88 team could pull off their first win in Sonoma. There's momentum, coming off a top-10 finish during the FireKeepers 400 at Michigan International Speedway this past week.
The off week may have been just what the doctor ordered for the team that has been consistently running in the top 15 for the past 8 races. This includes three second-place finishes at Talladega, Dover, and Kansas. Keep an eye out for this #88 team that is sitting in 10th for the playoffs and only seems to be getting stronger as we get closer to Darlington.
Follow and chat with me here: @Bryana_Rose
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear
Happy 50th Anniversary, Sonoma!!
FireKeepers Casino 400 - Image: Crystal Titus
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