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Photos: Tucson's Alex Bowman, from racing prodigy to multiple-time NASCAR Cup Series winner
PHOTOS: Alex Bowman, now 31, began his racing career at a young age in Tucson. Today, he's a stalwart on NASCAR's top circuit. His Cup Series win last week in Chicago was the eighth of his career and all but secured his spot in this year's Cup playoff.
Tucson’s Alex Bowman, then 12, sits in his quarter-midget vehicle with numerous trophies behind him back in September 2005. His goal at the time: become the first American to win a Formula One championship. He hasn’t done that yet, but, now 31, he has become a contender on NASCAR’s Cup series circuit, earning his eighth career Cup win in July 2024 in Chicago.
Lindsay Miller, Arizona Daily Star 2005
Tucson native and NASCAR driver Alex Bowman signs autographs for a few fans during an event at Precision Toyota, 700 W. Wetmore on February 27, 2013. Bowman, pictured at 20 years old but now 31, is an eight-time winner on NASCAR’s Cup Series circuit.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star 2023
Alex Bowman #48 poses for a photo with his teammates after winning the Grant Park 165 of the NASCAR Street Race on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at Grant Park in Chicago. (Vincent Alban/Chicago Tribune/TNS)
Vincent Alban
Alex Bowman #48 stands on his car after winning the Grant Park 165 of the NASCAR Street Race on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at Grant Park in Chicago. (Vincent Alban/Chicago Tribune/TNS)
Vincent Alban
Alex Bowman acknowledges spectators during driver introductions before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack
Daniel Suarez (99), Alex Bowman (48), Austin Dillon (3) and Todd Gilliland (38) make their way along the front stretch during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack
Driver Alex Bowman (48), left, talks with former driver Jeff Gordon before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Talladega, Ala. (AP Photo/Julie Bennett)
Julie Bennett
Alex Bowman (48) walks across the roof of his car after hitting the frontstretch wall and the tire barrier on the inside of Turn One during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)
Steve Marcus
Alex Bowman waves to fans during driver introductions before Daytona 500 qualifying auto races at Daytona International Speedway, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
John Raoux
William Byron (24) crosses the finish line under caution to win NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Riding along side Byron is Alex Bowman. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara
Alex Bowman waves to fans during driver introductions for the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
John Raoux
Alex Bowman (48) spins out on the infield after crashing coming out of Turn 4 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Randy Holt)
Randy Holt
Alex Bowman steers through Turn 4 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Darlington Raceway, Sunday, May 12, 2024, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)
Matt Kelley
The pit crew for Alex Bowman (48) rush to complete a pit stop during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Darlington Raceway, Sunday, May 12, 2024, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)
Matt Kelley
Ty Gibbs (54) leads Alex Bowman (48) at a restart during the NASCAR All-Star Open auto race at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, N.C., Sunday, May 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Chuck Burton
Driver Alex Bowman, center, walks to a track meeting in the rain before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
Colin E. Braley
The pit crew for Alex Bowman rushes to complete a pit stop during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)
Matt Kelley
Alex Bowman competes through Turn 4 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)
Matt Kelley
The pit crew for driver Alex Bowman (48) rushes to complete a pit stop during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)
Matt Kelley
Driver Alex Bowman is introduced before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Sonoma Raceway, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Sonoma, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Godofredo A. Vásquez
Alex Bowman is introduced before a NASCAR Cup Series race, Sunday, June 23, 2024, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Steven Senne
Crew members push Alex Bowman's car onto a pit road before a NASCAR Cup Series race, Sunday, June 23, 2024, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Steven Senne
Alex Bowman is sprayed by teammates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Erin Hooley
Alex Bowman stands with his team and his trophy after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Erin Hooley
Alex Bowman hugs teammates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Erin Hooley
Alex Bowman gets out of his car after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Erin Hooley
Alex Bowman leans on his car on pit road awaiting the start of the first of two qualifying auto races for the NASCAR Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
John Raoux
Alex Bowman (48) and Kyle Larson (5) lead the field to start the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
Terry Renna
Alex Bowman, left, is congratulated by Jeff Gordon after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Martinsville, Va. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Wade Payne
Alex Bowman (48) celebrates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Martinsville, Va. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Wade Payne
Alex Bowman (48) does a burnout after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher
Alex Bowman (48) celebrates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher
Alex Bowman (48) leads in the final laps during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher
Alex Bowman (48) celebrates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher
NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman (48) races during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher
Alex Bowman (48) races beside Kyle Larson (5) during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher
Pole sitter Alex Bowman waits in his car before the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
John Raoux
Alex Bowman (48) stands on his car as he celebrates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Sunday, April 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Steve Helber
Alex Bowman poses with the trophy as he celebrates winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Sunday, April 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Steve Helber
The crew for Alex Bowman (48) changes tires and gives gas in a pit stop during the Geico 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup auto race at Talladega Superspeedway, Sunday, April 25, 2021, in Talladega, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Butch Dill
Alex Bowman gets the checker flag as he finishes first during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Dover International Speedway, Sunday, May 16, 2021, in Dover, Del. Alex Bowman wins the race. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Chris Szagola
Alex Bowman celebrates the win with his teammates following a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Dover International Speedway, Sunday, May 16, 2021, in Dover, Del. Alex Bowman wins the race. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Chris Szagola
Alex Bowman driver of car 48, waves the checker flag in celebration of his win after passing Kyle Larson on the last lap of the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Pocono Raceway, Saturday, June 26, 2021, in Long Pond, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Matt Slocum
Alex Bowman, center, driver of car 48, celebrates with his crew after winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Pocono Raceway, Saturday, June 26, 2021, in Long Pond, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Matt Slocum
Alex Bowman, center, driver of car 48, celebrates with his crew after winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Pocono Raceway, Saturday, June 26, 2021, in Long Pond, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Matt Slocum
Alex Bowman (48) battles with Kyle Larson (5) on the front straight during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Pocono Raceway, Saturday, June 26, 2021, in Long Pond, Pa. Bowman passed Kyle Larson on the last lap to win. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Matt Slocum
Alex Bowman hold the award flag in Victory Lane after winning the pole position during qualifying for the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
John Raoux
Alex Bowman (88) runs during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Chris Carlson
FILE - In this Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018, file photo, car owner Rick Hendrick, front, stands on pit row with drivers Alex Bowman, left, and Jimmie Johnson before qualifying for the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Fla. The most coveted seat in NASCAR went to Alex Bowman in a Hendrick Motorsports lineup shuffle to replace seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson in the iconic No. 48 Chevrolet. Bowman and crew chief Greg Ives will move from the No. 88 into Johnson's ride at the end of the season. The swap announced Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, makes Bowman just the second driver of the team created in 2001 specifically for Johnson. (AP Photo/Terry Renna, File)
Terry Renna
Alex Bowman stands by his car before the start of the NASCAR Clash auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
John Raoux
Alex Bowman competes in a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Nell Redmond
William Byron (24) leads Alex Bowman (88) in turn3 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at the Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Lee Luther Jr.)
Lee Luther Jr.
Alex Bowman drives during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Isaac Brekken
Kevin Harvick (4), Brad Keselowski (2) and Alex Bowman (88) cross the starting line to begin a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Richard W. Rodriguez)
Richard W. Rodriguez
In this Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018, file photo, Alex Bowman, left, and Jimmie Johnson talk on pit road before qualifying for the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Fla. The most coveted seat in NASCAR went to Alex Bowman in a Hendrick Motorsports lineup shuffle to replace seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson in the iconic No. 48 Chevrolet. Bowman and crew chief Greg Ives will move from the No. 88 into Johnson's ride at the end of the season. The swap announced Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, makes Bowman just the second driver of the team created in 2001 specifically for Johnson. (AP Photo/Terry Renna, File)
Terry Renna
FILE - In this Sunday, May 17, 2020, file photo, Jimmie Johnson (48) and Alex Bowman (88) come down a straightaway during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Darlington, S.C. The most coveted seat in NASCAR went to Alex Bowman in a Hendrick Motorsports lineup shuffle to replace seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson in the iconic No. 48 Chevrolet. Bowman and crew chief Greg Ives will move from the No. 88 into Johnson's ride at the end of the season. The swap announced Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, makes Bowman just the second driver of the team created in 2001 specifically for Johnson.(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File
Brynn Anderson
Driver Alex Bowman, right, signs autographs for fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Phoenix Raceway, Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Avondale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Ralph Freso
Alex Bowman pits under yellow during the second stage of a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, March 1, 2020 in Fontana, Calif. (AP Photo/Will Lester)
Will Lester
Alex Bowman celebrates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Fontana, Calif. (AP Photo/Will Lester)
Will Lester
Alex Bowman celebrates with a burnout after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, March 1, 2020 in Fontana, Calif. (AP Photo/Will Lester)
Will Lester
Alex Bowman celebrates with the checkered flag after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, March 1, 2020 in Fontana, Calif. (AP Photo/Will Lester)
Will Lester
Alex Bowman drives to the finish line to win the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., Sunday, June 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Nam Y. Huh
Alex Bowman does a burnout in the Burnouts on Broadway competition Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, during NASCAR Champion's Week in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Mark Humphrey
Alex Bowman celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., Sunday, June 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Nam Y. Huh
Alex Bowman takes photos of him and his crew after winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., Sunday, June 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Nam Y. Huh
Alex Bowman poses with the trophy in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Chuck Burton
FILE - In this July 5, 2014, file photo, Alex Bowman, right, watches as Dale Earnhardt Jr. sends out a tweet while waiting under a tunnel for driver introductions to begin before a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at the Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Dale Earnhardt Jr. got the replacement he wanted. Alex Bowman got his dream job. Hendrick Motorsports announced Thursday, July 20, 2017, that the 24-year-old Bowman will replace one of the series' biggest stars in the No. 88 car next season after Earnhardt retires.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
Phelan M. Ebenhack
Hendrick drivers, from left, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Alex Bowman and Jimmie Johnson smile with team owner Rick Hendrick, right, as they unveil the team's cars for the NASCAR Cup Series' 2018 season, during an event in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Chuck Burton
Alex Bowman takes the checkered flag to win a NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Chuck Burton
Alex Bowman greets fans before the NASCAR Sprint Cup series auto race at Michigan International Speedway, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015, in Brooklyn, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Carlos Osorio
Alex Bowman drives on the track during practice for the Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/David Graham)
David Graham
Drivers Landon Cassill, left, and Alex Bowman talk in their garage during a practice session for the Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
John Raoux
Alex Bowman, right, watches as Dale Earnhardt Jr. sends out a tweet, while waiting under a tunnel for driver introductions to begin, before a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Saturday, July 5, 2014.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack
Alex Bowman during NASCAR auto racing media day at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
John RaouxRelated to this collection
Back in victory lane, Tucson native Alex Bowman powered by positivity in NASCAR Cup playoff pursuitAfter an 80-race NASCAR Cup Series winless streak that coincided with concussions, back surgery and other tribulations, Tucson native and Ironwood Ridge High School alum Alex Bowman jumped back on top of the sport last weekend after his first win in more than two years.