Every week, The Athletic poses the same 12 questions to a different race car driver. This week’s feature is on Alex Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports, who recently faced elimination from the NASCAR playoffs after his car was disqualified for being underweight. This interview took place prior to that race, and has been edited and condensed for clarity; however, the complete version can be found on the 12 Questions podcast.
1. What is currently the top priority on your bucket list?
I’ve had the opportunity to experience many exciting things through my career, but there isn’t one particular goal I’m fixated on. Securing a Cup championship would certainly be amazing. I hope we can make that a reality.
2. How much NASCAR media coverage do you follow?
My consumption varies depending on how I performed the previous weekend. If it was a tough race, I tend to avoid the coverage. Conversely, if it was a good week, I might end up consuming too much of it. I mainly rely on social media for updates, but it can become quite toxic during difficult times. Therefore, I try to limit my time on it after bad races.
I’m not sure there are ever truly good weeks on social media, but I get what you mean.
Absolutely. Even during our better weeks, people often critique why we shouldn’t feel good about those performances or that they weren’t good enough.
3. Apart from winning, how do you gauge success in racing?
Each driver’s circumstances vary significantly, so simply doing your job to the best of your ability and executing well throughout the race can be an effective measure of success. Honestly, one of the most challenging aspects of Cup racing is finding enjoyment in it. So, reaching a point where you are both performing well and deriving joy from the experience at the Cup level is a solid indicator of success.
4. What’s your opinion about NASCAR that you believe fans might not share?
This week’s news regarding the antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR has been revealing. There are misconceptions among fans; for instance, many believe drivers earn enormous sums of money, a reality that has largely shifted in the last decade or so. The financial landscape of the sport differs considerably from how fans perceive it.
Furthermore, what drivers desire often contrasts with what fans want. Fans typically crave overtime and unpredictability, while drivers may not be as enthusiastic about that. A prime example is the Bristol spring race; I assumed fans would be frustrated with our half-throttle pace down the straightaways while conserving tires. I was genuinely surprised when I learned the fans appreciated it. There can be a significant disconnect between drivers’ and fans’ preferences.
5. What’s the most significant aspect of your job that fans often overlook?
I believe fans might not fully appreciate the sheer number of quick transitions we undergo at the racetrack. From one appearance to another, we’re constantly signing autographs and being whisked away to various events. It can be quite challenging; while you want to accommodate as many fans as possible, your PR representative, Autumn (Darracq), often nudges you toward the next obligation. (Darracq was nearby when he mentioned this.) You’re continuously moving from one point to the next.
6. This next topic is relevant to you at the moment. I heard that over the Olympic break, you ended up stranded on a boat in the middle of…
of a lake. Can you share this story?
We visited a very secluded lake in South Carolina, where there were hardly any other boats around. The lake was quite large, but only about 30 houses could be found on its shores, making it genuinely remote. With no cell phone reception and surrounded by mountains, we were deeply nestled in a cove, far from civilization. Then, a storm rolled in, so we anchored down and waited for it to pass. However, once the storm subsided, the boat wouldn’t restart. My friends, who were a bit intoxicated, began to panic as their phones proved useless. The sun was setting, and there were no other people in sight.
Fortunately, I’ve always enjoyed tinkering with cars and maintaining my own equipment, which allowed me to quickly diagnose the issue: we had no fuel pressure. I began checking fuses and relays in an effort to get the fuel pump operational. After some work, I managed to get it started and steered it back to the dock.
You saved the day!
Well, I swapped out a relay, so I can’t take too much credit. Regardless, I’m relieved it was just a relay issue and not a faulty fuel pump. If it had been the latter, I’m sure we would have ended up spending the night on the boat, and there would have been some very unhappy campers.
I don’t enjoy feeling stranded. In fact, I sold the boat on my way home. (Laughs.) I thought, “I’m not going to get stuck on that thing again.”
Literally on the way home? You were like, “I’m out?”
Exactly. I traded it in while returning home. Once I’ve experienced being stranded, I just can’t deal with it. Especially in a situation like that: it was really remote, and I should have had a satellite phone given our location. But, regrettably, I didn’t think to bring one.
7. This is a wild-card question. Ten years ago, during our first 12 Questions interview, I asked you what advice you would give your younger self. Your response was to “have more fun with it before it becomes a full-time job.” So, a decade later, what advice would you share with your younger self, now that you’ve gained so much experience?
It’s still the same: I need to find a way to have more fun, but I still seem to struggle with that. It’s quite challenging. Looking back, my life was vastly different 10 years ago. At that time, my career trajectory was quite different, and I was grappling with my own expectations.
No matter what others expect of me or my racing team, my personal standards are always higher. I’m never fully satisfied with our performance; there’s always something I’m critical of, or something I aim to improve. Even when we win, it can sometimes drain the fun from it or increase the stress level. I wish I could find a way to enjoy the process more. My tendency to be hyper-critical affects my enjoyment. With the win at Chicago, I managed to appreciate that experience. Yet, looking back at some of my past victories, I realize I didn’t fully savor them because of the things I felt I could have done better. …
This has turned into a therapy session, courtesy of the 12 Questions. (Laughs.)
8. What do you appreciate about the place where you grew up? Tucson, Arizona.
That’s a quite thought-provoking question since I didn’t spend much time there. I left when I was 16, but before that, I was frequently away racing. Growing up, I spent a lot of time riding dirt bikes, and Tucson offers plenty of land and desert suitable for that, which was a lot of fun. The weather is enjoyable as well; it’s not humid, unlike the past couple of weeks in North Carolina, which has been incredibly oppressive for running.
My entire family still resides there, but I haven’t visited Tucson since 2020. My dad often scolds me for not coming home for Christmas, but I…
Doesn’t seem like I manage to make it back very often.
9. Which personality trait are you most proud of?
I’m not sure. I struggle with boasting about myself. Are any of my traits actually good? Do I even have any positive ones?
You’re humorous?
I’m humorous?! Alright! I feel like I’ve got dry humor down pretty well. When (Matt) Kenseth returned mid-season to drive the 42 (in 2020), we trained together quite a bit. I truly enjoy being around Matt Kenseth. To me, he has the funniest sense of humor with his dry wit. I try to emulate that a bit. It really is funny at times. I enjoy teasing people and having a great time.
10. Which driver would you prefer to avoid being trapped with in an elevator?
Does it have to be a driver?
If there’s a great option outside of driving, I’m open to that.
I can’t imagine myself handling a situation stuck in an elevator with (Kaulig Racing president) Chris Rice. That would be quite challenging for me. He’d be busy trying to create an Instagram Live and some sort of selfie video the entire time. I doubt I could handle that. I would feel extremely uncomfortable. He would definitely have the biggest smile of anyone ever stuck in an elevator, making him my pick. And I hope he reads this.
11. Can you share a run-in with a driver that TV or the media didn’t cover?
The coverage around NASCAR is extensive these days. Honestly, I haven’t experienced any significant run-ins that have gone unreported. Nowadays, everyone races aggressively. You can understand their motives, especially since track position is so crucial with these race cars, but that doesn’t lessen the frustration. It’s very annoying at times how people race today. However, we all make that choice. So, while there have been frustrating moments, I don’t believe I’ve had a major run-in with anyone. …
Did you know I had a run-in with Denny Hamlin once? Did that get covered? Perhaps it was overlooked. I crashed him at Martinsville.
12. Every week, I request a driver to ask me a question for the next interview. The last one was Kyle Busch. He’s curious: What’s your favorite combo trip in terms of both the racetrack and interesting activities?
Outside of the track?
I’m currently attempting to purchase a piece of land from Kyle Busch, and that’s the best question he could think of? That really stings.
When I traveled to Kansas a couple of weeks ago, I discovered an awesome running trail around a large lake situated in a nearby state park. Since I run frequently, that was quite enjoyable. While I’m at the racetrack, I’m not the type to explore the city or seek out exciting experiences. Typically, you’ll find me in my bus, joking around with my girlfriend Chloe or playing Nintendo Switch. There are also plenty of good coffee spots surrounding the racetrack, which is a nice perk.
Are you talking about Dutch Brothers?
Yeahhhh. It’s like sipping on a cup of sugar, but it’s incredibly delicious nonetheless.
Is there a question I can ask the next person?
Your inability to know who’s next reflects a lack of effort, and that truly saddens me. I need to be clear about it, so you should find out who’s next.
GO DEEPER
NASCAR Charlotte Roval takeaways: Alex Bowman’s DQ and a case for the oval
(Top photo of Alex Bowman at Talladega earlier this month: Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
Ups and Downs: Alex Bowman Reflects on Racing, Life, and the Impact of Social Media
Who is Alex Bowman?
Alex Bowman, a prominent figure in NASCAR, is known for his competitive spirit and tenacity on the race track. Born on April 25, 1993, in Tucson, Arizona, Bowman began his racing career at a young age, showcasing extraordinary talent that eventually led him to the NASCAR Cup Series. His dedication to the sport has not only earned him a loyal fan base but also a unique perspective on the ups and downs of racing life, supplemented by the potent influence of social media.
The Roller Coaster of Racing Life
Racing is often likened to a roller coaster ride, filled with exhilarating highs and crushing lows. Bowman’s journey in NASCAR is no exception. Here’s a breakdown of some key experiences that highlight the emotional landscape of a professional racer:
- Winning Moments: Achieving victory in a race brings unparalleled joy. For Bowman, winning at the 2021 Pocono 400 was a thrilling high point, solidifying his status as a top driver.
- Setbacks: Injuries and mechanical failures can turn a promising season into a struggle. Bowman faced a significant challenge in 2022 when a car crash led to a concussion, sidelining him for several races.
- Fan Support: The love and support from fans during tough times can uplift a driver’s spirit. Bowman often expresses gratitude for his fans, especially during difficult phases in his career.
The Role of Social Media in Racing
Social media has transformed how athletes communicate with fans and handle their public image. For Alex Bowman, platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook serve as crucial tools to bridge the gap between his racing life and personal experiences.
Engagement with Fans
Bowman actively engages with his followers through social media, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of his racing life, personal anecdotes, and responses to fans’ comments. Here’s how he effectively utilizes these platforms:
- Real-time Updates: Fans receive updates during races, enhancing their viewing experience.
- Personal Stories: Bowman shares moments from his life off the track, making him relatable and fostering a deeper connection with fans.
- Interactive Content: Polls, Q&A sessions, and live videos create an interactive environment, allowing fans to feel more involved.
Challenges of Social Media
While social media offers numerous benefits, it also comes with challenges. Bowman has faced criticism and negative comments online, which can impact a driver’s mental health. Key challenges include:
- Online Criticism: Negative comments can be disheartening, especially after a disappointing race.
- Public Scrutiny: Every action and statement is closely monitored, sometimes leading to misinterpretations.
- Pressure to Perform: The need to maintain a certain image can increase pressure on athletes.
Benefits of Social Media for Athletes
Despite the challenges, the advantages of social media far outweigh the drawbacks for athletes like Alex Bowman. Here are some notable benefits:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand Building | Social media allows Bowman to cultivate a personal brand and attract sponsorship opportunities. |
| Community Engagement | Bowman fosters a sense of community among fans, enhancing their loyalty and support. |
| Real-time Communication | Immediate feedback from fans helps shape Bowman’s public persona and marketing strategies. |
First-Hand Experiences: Alex Bowman’s Insights
In interviews, Bowman has shared insights into his experiences as a professional racer and the impact of social media on his life. Here are some highlights from his reflections:
On Racing Ups and Downs
“Racing is a beautiful sport, but it’s definitely a mental game. The high of winning is incredible, but the lows are tough. I’ve learned that it’s essential to keep my head high and focus on the next race.”
On Social Media Influence
“Social media is a double-edged sword. It can be amazing to connect with fans, but it can also get overwhelming. I try to stay positive and remember that the support outweighs the negativity.”
Practical Tips for Managing Social Media as an Athlete
For athletes navigating the complexities of social media, Bowman offers valuable advice:
- Set Boundaries: Limit time spent on social media to prevent burnout.
- Focus on Positivity: Engage with supportive fans and ignore negative comments.
- Be Authentic: Share genuine moments that reflect your true self, creating a stronger bond with followers.
Case Studies: Successful Athlete Social Media Strategies
Many athletes have successfully leveraged social media, providing inspiration for others in the sport. Here are a few noteworthy examples:
| Athlete | Platform | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| LeBron James | Engagement through personal stories and philanthropy updates. | |
| Serena Williams | Showcasing family life and behind-the-scenes training. | |
| Tom Brady | Sharing workout tips and personal insights for fans. |
Conclusion
While this article delves into the complexities of Alex Bowman’s experiences in racing and the impact of social media, it’s clear that the highs and lows of life as a professional athlete shape their resilience and growth. Bowman’s insights serve as a reminder of the importance of mental health, community support, and authenticity in navigating the pressures of both racing and social media.
