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Yesterday, Alex Bowman thought he had locked himself into Round of Eight, but by nightfall, that dream was down the drain. Bowman failed post-race inspection. However, internet detectives have pointed out that one key moment in the race could have changed the outcome for the No. 48.
Kyle Larson dominated the majority of yesterday’s race as he and the rest of his Hendrick Motorsports teammates advanced to the Round of Eight.
This group included Alex Bowman, who had a quiet yet solid season in No. 48. However, following Sunday’s race, NASCAR disqualified Bowman for “failing to meet the minimum weight requirement.” This disqualification bumped Bowman to last place and, consequently, removed No. 48 from the Round of Eight.
Removing weight from a car can happen after a pre-race inspection. This practice is common in NASCAR history, with many stories of lead-filled helmets and other workarounds. However, in Bowman’s case, this is uncommon in the modern era, and a notable moment in Bowman’s drive could be the reason for this failure.
In what is typically a wreck-filled race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, there were no cautions for accidents. However, many drivers still jumped and cut corners. This includes Alex Bowman, who, in Stage One, hopped, or even leaped, through the apex of turn 17.
This air looked like a very “post-worthy” yet forgettable early moment in what is typically an exciting race. However, upon NASCAR’s announcement of Bowman’s failure to do a post-race inspection, most fans and insiders suggested this could be the moment the No. 48 lost weight.
Furthermore, Michael McDowell’s onboard of the turn 17 incident shows just how violent the hit was.
Some suggest that Bowman may have lost ballast when hitting the curb. Ballast is made of tungsten and is used to meet minimum weight prior to a race. Ballast must remain in the car throughout the race weekend.
On his podcast, Action’s Detrimental, Denny Hamlin suggested that a heavy component would be lost, and it would be apparent what broke or fell off of No. 48. However, Hamlin does remind everyone that “there is a way.”
Furthermore, Hamlin reminded listeners that NASCAR does supply a “buffer” or “weight break” of roughly what NASCAR Cup Series Managing Director Brad Moran estimates to be 17 lbs.
This weight break allows for cars to lose weight during a race, and in the same video with Moran, he states that they allowed Hendrick multiple options to try to get back to weight. This means that if Bowman had lost weight, it would have been extremely significant.
Whether it was ballast, another part, or Hendrick getting caught bending the rules, the cost of this is monumental and shook up the playoffs quite a bit.
Before, most thought that Hendrick had a chance to get all four HMS cars into the Championship Four. Other four-car teams have gone as far as the Round of Eight but never that far. However, that has gone up in smoke.
Bowman is out of the playoffs, with Joey Logano taking his place. Logano had a “second-hand” battle with Regular Season champion Tyler Reddick throughout the Roval race—either way, both made it into the Round of Eight. Yet, Reddick and 23XI Raicng both benefit from this disqualification by taking Bowman’s spot in the Owners Points Round of Eight, something most consider as crucial as winning a championship.
Nonetheless, this is just another blow in what has been a weird time for Bowman at Hendrick. This includes multi-win seasons, multiple injuries, and even a rumor he would be demoted or fired after this season. Bowman had persevered before and did so following those rumors.
Hendrick has yet to appeal this disqualification, and they made a statement via X that they would consider doing so today.
Some think they have a case, while others think not. Either way, fans will talk about this for years to come.
What do you think about all this? Let us know on Discord or X what your take is, and don’t forget you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
