The pressure really got to Bowman in 2024 and it felt as if only a win would see him continue in the No. 48 Chevy. Even a win at Chicago Street Race wasn’t enough for the rumors to boil down. It got to the point that Bowman himself had to deal with the situation, “Obviously, my contract is through the end of 2026. All I can tell you is like what my bosses have told me, and that there is no plans to change anything.”
Well had it not been for the surprise suspension after the Charlotte Roval race in playoff last year Bowman could’ve had a breakthrough season. But, one off-season or race win wasn’t going to guarantee his spot within the team. And as the 2025 season came around, it was as if he the driver knew the drill and he got right at work. Four top 10 finishes in the first five races backed by a solid P2 finish at Homestead is a clear indication that Bowman has turned the corner for good.
Jeff Gordon did come out in support of his driver last year to curb the rumors and speculations. But, now that he’s churning out results and picking up pace, he’s more confident about his stance. This is reflected in the post-race statement where he doubled down on shutting down the outside noise.
“What we’ve worked on the most is making sure he’s got the support behind him. But when a team has the confidence that the organization is behind their moves and supporting them, sponsors are there for them… But yeah the noise that’s been around and some of the things there, you know he’s our guy and we’re happy to see them doing well.” Jeff Gordon said this after Bowman’s runner-up finish at Homestead.
The outside noise that Gordon was referring to surfaced last year after Adam Stern reported about the worrisome economic situation at Ally. The company had to cut jobs and had to consider strategic alternatives for its credit card business after the borrowers struggled to pay down their debts. The firm had cut about 11,100 employees at the end of 2023 and was in the process of slashing out 5% more jobs. This led many to believe that their next step would be to pull out of NASCAR sponsorship and why wouldn’t they?
AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 25: Jeff Gordon talks to a crew member during qualifying for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix on March 25, 2023 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAR 25 NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix Icon1692303251342
Hooters who once served as a primary sponsor on the No. 9 HMS car pulled the plug on NASCAR sponsorship. Heck even Denny Hamlin lost out on his longtime anchor sponsor FedEx last year. While the doomsday scenario looked to be on the card for Bowman his recent performances and assurances from his team should be enough for him to focus on his job.
Speaking of on-track action, Gordon did find himself in a precarious situation when Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman battled for the win. But, unlike Roger Penske, he wasn’t too bothered about his drivers trading paints but praying to NASCAR gods for green lap runs.
Jeff Gordon’s unique perspective on the Larson-Bowman duel at Miami Homestead
You had a driver eager for redemption in Larson, whereas Bowman wanted to repay the faith shown by him by his team. After Blaney’s engine blew up, the battle came down between the No. 48 and the No. 5. Larson was the one who was on the hot pursuit and hoping for a mistake by his teammate. Well, the mistake came on Lap 261 as he bumped into the wall and that was enough for Larson to sneak through.
Now there’s a possibility that both the driver could’ve wrecked out and allowed Bubba Wallace or Chase Briscoe to punch the ticket. But, Gordon knew that his drivers were better than that, but he wasn’t sure about the late race caution. “I was just more nervous about a caution coming out than anything else… This track offers multiple different lanes, and so it’s a lot more nerve-wracking if it’s a single-groove racetrack… like what we’re gonna see next weekend at Martinsville.”
Well, the two drivers did race hard but didn’t crash and it was a 1-2 finish for Hendrick Motorsports. Heading into Martinsville it will be interesting to see whether or not Bowman continues on his solid start. Chase Elliott is another candidate would could use some momentum and positive results after a mediocre start to his 2025 campaign.
The post “He’s Our Guy”: Jeff Gordon Publicly Backs HMS Star After Homestead Revival, Silencing Outside Noise About His Future appeared first on EssentiallySports.
