Alex Bowman's Stage-Point Play Costs Him But Helps His Playoff Position
3 weeks agoAlthough Alex Bowman's fourth-place starting position at Watkins Glen matched his best of the season, he was one of many drivers who elected to go for stage points at the end of Stage 1 even if it took him out of the race for the win later. Bowman remained in fourth for the entirety of the first stage before being elevated to second when Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen pitted because they were not in the playoffs. This strategy play relegated him to mid-pack and he never was a contender again, but although he only finished 18th, the strategy was effective as his 31 points outscored all but three of the other playoff drivers. As a result, Bowman sits tied for third in points with Joey Logano and he is very safe to advance to the Round of 12.
Source: Racing Reference
Source: Racing Reference