Alex Bowman Strong Dark Horse Because Of Blake Harris
1 year agoDespite failing to advance to the playoffs for the first time as a full-time Hendrick driver, Bowman has actually performed better this year than you likely think. Bowman's speed percentile of 67.47% this year is actually his third-best as a full-time Hendrick driver; he was only faster in 2020 and 2021. The main difference is that he has been nowhere near as lucky, but that may change Sunday. Despite only qualifying 24th, he is a strong dark-horse candidate because crew chief Blake Harris guided Michael McDowell to his only Darlington top tens in both races last year. Since Bowman has a stronger record at Darlington than McDowell, he is an overlooked contender for a top-ten finish and a better bet than the Ford drivers.
Source: Racing Reference
Source: Racing Reference