Hamlin: Bowman Needs Wins to Salvage Season

Alex Bowman's 2026 NASCAR season has been marred by poor performance and health issues, including a vertigo diagnosis that has sidelined him indefinitely. He has struggled in the races he's completed, finishing 40th, 23rd, and 36th. Denny Hamlin, a fellow NASCAR driver, offered a candid assessment of Bowman's playoff prospects, suggesting that based on his current performance level, making the postseason would require a significant turnaround.

Hamlin emphasized that Bowman would likely need to win a race and consistently score stage points to contend for a playoff spot. He noted that the revised playoff format, which no longer solely relies on a single win for entry, shifts the focus to overall season standings. This means accumulating points throughout the regular season is crucial for drivers like Bowman, who are facing a deficit and dealing with an extended absence from the track.