Bowman bounces back from contact to finish 36th in Kentucky

Alex Bowman and the No. 23 Dr Pepper Toyota Camry team finished 36th at Kentucky Speedway on Saturday night.  After sustaining fender damage following an on-track incident just past the halfway point, Bowman was able to maintain his position to secure a 36th-place finish. 

 

Competing in his first Sprint Cup Series event at the rough Kentucky Speedway, Bowman rolled off 33rd on Saturday night.  Initially very tight on entry before snapping loose on the exit of the corner, Bowman worked closely with his Dr Pepper team to make the appropriate adjustments on pit road.  Working through a series of air pressure, chassis and spring rubber adjustments, Bowman continued to search for the balance necessary to get around the 1.5-mile oval. 

 

Close competition on lap 154 resulted in Bowman making contact with another competitor on the backstretch.  The incident resulted in a flat tire, which proceeded to shred and cause substantial fender damage on the No. 23 Toyota Camry.  Bowman visited pit road for repairs and with quick attention from his Dr Pepper crew, the Sunoco rookie contender was able to return to the race.  Without further incident, Bowman was able to drive to a 36th-place finish. 

 

“Our Dr Pepper Toyota Camry team had a tough night at Kentucky Speedway tonight,” commented Bowman.  “We fought with the balance of our car early in the race, and just when we were starting to get it where we needed it, we got caught up in an accident.  The guys did a great job making repairs, but we just couldn’t gain the ground back that we had lost.  It just seems like we’ve had a string of bad luck lately.  We had a good run at Daytona International Speedway earlier this season, so we’re looking forward to getting back to Florida next week and getting back on track.” 

 

BK Racing PR