Alex Bowman Dirt Racing Owner expertly manages his thriving dirt-track team. [Image Source: DAILYDOWNFORCE]
Alex Bowman, widely recognized as the driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series, also dedicates himself to dirt racing as a team owner. Through his dirt-track organization, Alex Bowman Racing (ABR), he fields cars in Midget and Sprint car competitions, including entries at the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals. Bowman’s passion for dirt racing guided him to establish this team as a personal outlet beyond his NASCAR commitments.
Growth and Driver Support Within the Dirt Racing Circuit
Since its inception, Alex Bowman Racing has grown into a competitive force, consistently placing vehicles and established drivers in top-tier dirt events. In the current season, Bowman entered four cars in the Chili Bowl Nationals, maintaining a significant presence at the event. Under the ABR banner, notable drivers such as CJ Leary, Hunter Schuerenberg, and Jake Swanson have received ongoing support, highlighting Bowman’s commitment to fostering talent in dirt racing.
Challenges and Dedication in Managing a Racing Team
Bowman has spoken openly about the challenges involved in ownership. While reflecting on his responsibilities during an appearance on the HOT ROD Pod podcast, he remarked,
“Still ended up doing all the work and paying all the bills and having none of the fun, and I was like, ‘This sucks.’ We’ve had some successful years (in Chili Bowl).”
?Alex Bowman, Team Owner
He further described the financial struggles and risks associated with running the team, noting,
“Had some years where my finances fly through the air and you flip over and over, and it’s like dollar signs falling off the car as it’s flipping. They’ve hurt a little bit, but yeah, it’s been a really fun thing for me to get to do.”
?Alex Bowman, Team Owner
Hands-On Role in Vehicle Preparation and Team Operations
Despite the demands, Bowman takes a practical approach to his ownership duties, personally handling much of the vehicle preparation. He detailed,
Image of: Alex Bowman
“Honestly, like I do 90% of the prep work on those cars myself. One thing I’m not good at is the fabrication side of things. Like, I’m not patient enough, and I’m not good enough to do it at a level that I’m happy with.”
?Alex Bowman, Team Owner
He also highlighted the assistance he receives, stating,
“I have a lot of great friends at HMS that help me on the fab side of things, but beyond that, I’m doing all the prep work myself and working on them myself at the racetrack crew chiefing them, and it’s a lot of fun,”
?Alex Bowman, Team Owner
emphasizing both the enjoyment and effort involved in managing his racing vehicles.
Impact of Injury on Team Direction and Focus
In 2023, a serious crash involving one of Bowman’s 410 Sprint cars resulted in a compression fracture in his back. This injury significantly influenced his approach to ownership. By late 2025, Alex Bowman Racing sold off its Sprint car assets and discontinued participation with the LI55 Sprint car, marking a clear shift away from that segment. Despite stepping back from driving dirt cars personally, Bowman maintained his commitment to team ownership while focusing on his full-time NASCAR career with Hendrick Motorsports.
Current Ownership Status Among NASCAR Peers
This year, Bowman stood out as one of several active NASCAR Cup Series drivers who entered cars in the Chili Bowl Nationals, joining prominent names such as Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, and Kyle Busch. Ownership of sprint car teams also attracted interest from crew chiefs, including Hendrick Motorsports’ Blake Harris, who owned a car for Jesse Love at this year’s event. Bowman’s continued dual role as driver and owner illustrates the blending of NASCAR and dirt racing worlds, underscoring his dedication to both disciplines.
Significance of Bowman’s Ownership in Dirt Racing’s Landscape
Alex Bowman’s role as a dirt racing team owner reflects a broader trend among NASCAR professionals balancing multiple racing interests. Despite financial hardships and physical setbacks, his persistence highlights the deep-rooted passion driving involvement in grassroots motorsports. The evolving focus of Alex Bowman Racing signals a strategic adjustment, allowing Bowman to sustain his ownership presence while prioritizing his NASCAR career. This balance exemplifies the commitment necessary to excel across different facets of American racing.
