CONCORD, N.C. - Despite having 10 top-10 results heading into the Chicago Street Race, Alex Bowman entered the Illinois venue looking for the next step: finding victory lane.
In reality, 2024 was already shaping up to be a solid season for the No. 48 Ally Racing team. Bowman's previously mentioned top-10 results were tied for his most in a single season through 19 races. The same could be said for lead lap finishes (15). Couple these with a runner-up result at the DAYTONA 500, a 14.47 average finish and 51-point cushion over the playoff cutline, the team was already in good shape as the playoffs drew near.
RELATED: Bowman victorious in Chicago
But even with these high marks, the elusive victory remained. Since Las Vegas Motor Speedway's spring date in 2022, Bowman had been shut out of victory lane. With a triumphant victory in Chicago, the No. 48 group was able to return to the winner's circle. The moment itself was not lost on Bowman as he climbed out of the car.
“Yeah, it’s been rough to be a part of this race team," Bowman stated after the race. "We all see the things that get said, whether it’s media people second guessing or the internet second guessing us."
"I am just really proud of this team, and it means a lot to win here and finally get a win at a road course. To do something like this is really special.”
But now, the group has the ability to focus forward. With a bid earned into the postseason and momentum on their side, the group's next task will be to earn additional playoff points. Chicago's victory netted the team five, but Bowman would benefit from more markers before the tour opens the run to the championship at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
RELATED: Victory lane: Chicago style
The win was not only an important one for Bowman but also for crew chief Blake Harris. While Harris has been a part of victories dating back to his time with other organizations, Sunday's main event was his first NASCAR Cup Series victory as a crew chief. When asked about the feelings that came along with this achievement, Harris admitted the moment had not quite sunk in yet.
"I don’t know that I’ve got the words for it yet, thought about it a lot. Over the past year and a half we’ve been in positions to win some races and we just haven’t got there," Harris said after the victory.
"There’s no better answer than getting a win. At least for myself, I go to all the guys and say, 'put the pressure on me, let’s go to work, you do your job, we’re going to get it done'. Eventually you’ve got to deliver on that. They’ve delivered a lot and it was nice to finally be able to deliver the win."
Also available for comment after Sunday's race was vice chairman Jeff Gordon who focused on the resilience the group has shown in the face of adversity. Gordon also pointed out the true team effort that made the victory possible and how a weight has been lifted on the organization's shoulders with all four Hendrick Motorsports entires now locked into the 2024 playoffs.
"Today was a huge day for both of these guys (Harris and Bowman) and the whole team," The four-time Cup Series champion said. "I couldn’t be happier for the whole group because I know what kind of pressure they’ve been feeling. It’s amazing for all of us to have all for cars in the playoffs, probably a bit of a reset now. That weight just keeps getting heavier and heavier each week which makes it harder and harder."
Up next for the Cup Series will be Pocono Raceway on July 14. Catch all of the action from "The Tricky Triangle" at 2:30 p.m. ET on USA Network, MRN Radio and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).