Alex Bowman making up ground on Chase bubble with 15 races remaining

Alex Bowman is making up ground with 15 races left in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series regular season. Bowman sits 127 points behind the Chase bubble in the driver's standings with over half of the regular season remaining. Meanwhile, the No.

48 car is only 83 points back in the owner's standings. The Hendrick Motorsports driver appeared to be out of the mix and while it is still a long shot, he is making up the needed ground. Bowman is on the pace to accomplish his points goal set before returning from his vertigo symptoms.

The No. 48 team has a better chance at making the Chase, but Bowman can't be ruled out yet. If Bowman can gain 8.

5 points per race on the Chase bubble, he will reach the 16-driver field. It may require at least one win before September, but Bowman's two straight top-3 finishes certainly helps his case. It seemed nearly impossible two weeks ago; however, Bowman is giving himself an opportunity after two strong runs.