Fans React: Alex Bowman Returns at the Coca-Cola 600

What’s Happening?

Hendrick Motorsports announced on Wednesday that Alex Bowman will return to the 48 car this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600. According to Hendrick Motorsports, Bowman was approved to return after a 170 lap NASCAR-approved test at North Wilkesboro. Bowman suffered a fractured vertebra during a sprint car race in Iowa on April 24th, and he has missed the last four Cup Series events.

• Bowman received a playoff waiver from NASCAR, meaning that he is eligible to make the postseason despite missing three points paying races. Bowman currently sits in 17th in the standings, five points below the cut-line. He was the series points leader before he and Hendrick teammate William Byron were penalized following the Richmond race in March.
• This is not the first time Bowman has had injuries affect his Cup Series career. Last fall, he suffered a concussion at Texas Motor Speedway during the Round of 12 causing him to miss six races, and he was eliminated after the round of 12.
• Fans are excited to see Bowman back at the track. Especially after the tough way he was taken out of competition for a few weeks.

The Main Characters

Alex Bowman is excited to be back.

In the Stands

There’s only 3.5 days left until Sunday.

Stephanie Schwartz is excited.

A fair question. It is common for drivers who are coming back from injury to be replaced partway through the race.

Bowman Returns, I can see it now.

Yes, 600 miles. Will be quite a feat if he completes it.

Nothing like a sarcastic minion.

Hendrick will win every race from now on will they?

One can only wonder.

Indeed he does if he so chooses to do so.

Coming back in a 600 mile race is indeed a strange idea.

Not a terrible idea.

On Your Screen

For the first time in a long time, Hendrick Motorsports is at full-strength.

Back and photobombing more than ever.

Lot’s of uncertainty surrounded Bowman this weekend, but finally he is back!

From the Pressbox

More from Bob Pockrass on the rules regarding medical testing.

More input from Seth Eggert on the history of NASCAR Playoff waivers.

Alex Bowman is finally back this weekend at Charlotte, and people are excited about it. Will he regain the great form he had prior to the injury?