Alex Bowman Gears Up for Mexico Race Despite Pain from Michigan Crash

Alex Bowman is moving forward with his plans to race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, even while managing pain from his crash at Michigan International Speedway. The incident last weekend left him visibly uncomfortable, and he was seen limping as he finished two practice sessions in Mexico City.

Bowman explained this pain was some of the worst he had ever experienced during his NASCAR Cup Series career, more intense than when he previously suffered a broken back. He expressed thanks for the help he has gotten, stating support from medical personnel and his team allowed him to recover enough to get back in the car for qualifying.

Despite the discomfort, Bowman avoided any broken bones or new major injuries this time, but he admitted the impact at Michigan left him questioning if he would be able to compete on Sunday. He said shifting from a high-speed oval to a technical road course only added to the challenge, as sitting in the car and the seat’s position have aggravated his pain.

Still, with assistance from physical therapy, Bowman has tried to prepare for the unique demands of the 100-lap race in Mexico City. Bowman, an eight-time Cup Series winner, has not finished better than 27th in seven of his last nine races.

This stretch has made the upcoming event critical for his season. His main focus for Sunday is to complete every lap and give himself a chance to rebound after two tough months.

He’s hopeful recent adjustments will help, though he acknowledged his car hasn’t shown the outright speed some competitors have found. Bowman’s crew, however, believes they are in a good position regarding reliability and race conditions, especially with concerns about brake temperatures and cooling that have affected other teams.

Weather played a role in qualifying, reducing it to just a few laps for all drivers. With only three laps completed during the session, Bowman is set to begin the inaugural Viva Mexico 250 from the 29th spot on the starting grid.

The event is part of a weekend that features two other major races: the Chilango 150 and the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race at Pocono Raceway later in June. Bowman understands that the Mexico City track presents new variables, including unfamiliar corners and changing surface conditions.

He’s determined to push through the pain and help guide his No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet back toward better results as the NASCAR season heads toward its critical summer stretch. Every point will matter as he tries to secure a spot in the postseason for the second year in a row.

Fans can follow live updates throughout the weekend with features like leaderboards, audio scanners, and fantasy picks. The Mexico race is scheduled for Sunday at 3:00 p.m. ET, where Bowman will face the challenge head-on and aim to move past both physical setbacks and recent disappointments on the track.