I bet you don't know anyone else who can say they are a Bowman fan, let alone his biggest fan! Let me tell you my Alex Bowman story ....
Several years ago we were at the race in Dover. We always meet up with the same people every year there, and one of our traditions is to put $5 in the hat and pull a driver's name. Winner of the race wins the pot. I hardly ever win anything (although one year I did win $100 when I pulled Jimmie Johnson's name!) because usually the guy whose name I pull is out of the race within the first 100 laps! It's kind of a standing joke actually. Well, this one time we were pulling our names and I reached into the hat and pulled out - you guessed it - Alex Bowman!! WHO?!?! I really thought the guy who puts the pool together was pulling a fast one on me! "C'mon man! This isn't even a real guy!" I said. No, they assured me, he is a real guy. He drives the #7 car for Tommy Baldwin Racing. So, of course, I had to check this out and see for myself!
By golly, there he was! Of course that day he only ran a very small part of the race, but from that point on ALEX BOWMAN was on my radar!
Fast forward to last year when Alex Bowman was called up to drive the 88 car while Jr. recuperated from his concussion syndrome. And Alex does really well. Really well! But he still doesn't seem to be rising to Big Star level. I saw him at Charlotte last fall walking through the garage area, and no one paid any attention to him (except me, of course!) which never happens when a driver is walking thru that area. There are ALWAYS groupies trailing them, seeking autographs or photos. But not for Alex! No one even did a double take (except me, of course!)
At least Claire B. Lang recognized him and got an interview!
I finally got the chance to meet Alex at Richmond. He was doing a Q & A, and even then, not very many people stopped what they were doing to come see him (except me, of course!) I think I acted like a 10 year old at a Justin Bieber concert!! I probably even scared him a little bit! He was very gracious and even let Hubby snap a quick photo. Made this old lady's day!
So there you have my Alex Bowman story! Next year when everyone is all excited about this "new kid," I'm going to be able to say "Yeah, well I knew him when ... and I really am his biggest fan!!"
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