Alex Bowman Explains His Refusal to Join Hendrick Teammates Chase Elliott & Kyle Larson in $10,000 Chili Bowl Boycott

Published 09/05/2022, 1:23 AM EDT

The Hendrick Motorsports gang often takes part in the Chili Bowl Nationals. But this year, things are a little different, because Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott will boycott the race. Interestingly, Alex Bowman refuses to join them in their mission opposing the series and will continue to race.

Bowman becomes the official odd-one-out at Hendrick. But why does he disagree with his teammates?

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In a recent interview with The Athletic, the driver was asked if the #48 car is continuing with the Chili Bowl despite the purse. Bowman admitted that the pay is not as lucrative, saying, “I would love the Chili Bowl to pay more. I think we all would. My pit pass bill for my race team is almost $6,000 for the week. So when it pays $10,000 to win on Saturday, it’s tough.”

So, despite the low pay, why does Bowman continue to race there?

Alex Bowman reveals the main reason he boycotted his teammates

Alex explained that he and his crew always go to win the pre-race car show, and put the best-looking cars out there. And he seems to be quite passionate about it too, “We spend way more time than anybody ever should to build a car for one race. But we’ve had beautiful race cars for the last couple years.”

He added, “And then I go to win the party. My friends and I have more fun there than anybody else. I just go enjoy it with my friends. It’s not a high-pressure situation. If we don’t win, we’re not melting down and not having fun and leaving there mad.”

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Makes sense. The driver just wants a little time off. And he sure earned it; after all the pressure of being at one of the top teams in the Cup Series can take its toll.

Why did Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott boycott the Chili Bowl?

It’s about the purse. Larson and Elliott think the pay is just far too low to sustain themselves.

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Larson went further as he explained it isn’t possible for them to go out and race and only get $10,00 if they win.

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Is Larson and Elliott’s reason fair? Do you think the duo should have taken part anyway? Or is it fair?

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Written by:

Hetul Katyal is a NASCAR and F1 Writer at Essentially Sports. Currently pursuing his degree in Journalism from Delhi College of Arts and Commerce. When the Stock Cars rev up, you can find him cheering Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch, in hopes of seeing one of them drive to the Victory Lane.

Edited by:

Ankit Sharma

Alex Bowman Explains His Refusal to Join Hendrick Teammates Chase Elliott & Kyle Larson in $10,000 Chili Bowl Boycott

Alex Bowman reveals the main reason he boycotted his teammates

Why did Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott boycott the Chili Bowl?

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