Never had the elevation changes at Watkins Glen International Speedway struck Alex Bowman more than they did on Wednesday.
Bowman took place in a Bike at the Glen event, which invites fans to come out and ride a bicycle around the 2.45-mile road course. Wednesday marked the first of four scheduled dates for the program (Sept. 25, Oct. 9 and Oct. 16).
For Bowman, who’s taken plenty of loops around the circuit in a NASCAR Cup Series car, the challenge to complete a lap on two wheels and powered by his own legs was a bit more daunting.
“I know it’s something they do monthly, but we’ll be a small part of it today,” Bowman said. “We’re going to make a lap around this place on a bike and hopefully I make it all the way up the esses and if I do, I guess the rest is a little bit downhill from there, right?”
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Good news, the driver of the No. 48 Ally Racing Chevy Camaro ZL1 did in fact crest the hill and finish the ride while also taking the time to catch up with fans and speak about healthy living, rescuing animals and his racing career.
That latter would certainly look better with a win at Watkins Glen on his resume, and he’ll get another chance to make that happen when the Cup Series returns on Sept. 15 for a playoff race.
Bowman, who earned his eighth career victory at the Chicago Street Course earlier this year, is an accomplished road racer but admitted finding his stride at the Glen is still a work in progress.
“This is the last road course for me that I have circled that I don’t feel like that I’ve been able to find what I really need,” Bowman said. “Sonoma, we haven’t had great finishes, but we’ve had really fast speed and the rest of them, we’ve run top five everywhere. Just trying to figure out how to get to the level I’m at, at the rest of the road courses here and hopefully we’re able to achieve that this time around.”
Bowman and the No. 48 Ally Racing team will pursue another victory and some key playoff points on Sunday at Michigan International Speedway. Race coverage is slated to start at 2:30 p.m. and will air on USA Network.
