Days After Bubba Wallace Beef, HMS Star Turns Down New Rivalry With RCR Reject

In the high-stakes world of NASCAR, where every lap can make or break a driver’s season, tensions often run high. Just days after a fiery exchange with Bubba Wallace at the Chicago Street Race. HMS star, Alex Bowman, seasoned star of Hendrick Motorsports, found himself at the center of another headline-grabbing moment this time with Ty Dillon at Sonoma Raceway. While the Wallace incident left fans buzzing about renewed rivalries, Bowman’s interaction with Dillon took a different turn, showcasing a rare display of sportsmanship in a sport known for its intensity.

Pulling back the curtain on motorsports memory lane, bump-and-run tactics have a storied, and sometimes costly, legacy. Back in November 2015 at Martinsville Speedway, a titanic clash between Matt Kenseth and Joey Logano boiled over. Kenseth, already eliminated from the playoffs, retaliated by wrecking Logano, then a championship favorite. NASCAR parked the No. 20 Toyota for two races, ending Logano’s title bid and igniting one of the most controversial moments in playoff history.

At Sonoma, with the $1 million In-Season Challenge hanging in the balance, Ty Dillon made a bold last-lap move that sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community. In a desperate bid to advance, RCR rejected Dillon executed a calculated bump-and-run on Bowman, pushing him wide and securing his spot in the final four. The move was aggressive yet necessary, leaving many wondering how Bowman would respond. Would this ignite a new rivalry, or would cooler heads prevail? As it turns out, Bowman’s reaction was one of understanding, not animosity, highlighting a refreshing contrast to the drama that often defines NASCAR’s biggest moments.

No hard feelings between Alex Bowman and Ty Dillon?

At Sonoma Raceway, the final lap saw Ty Dillon make a daring move that ended Alex Bowman’s $1 million dream in the NASCAR In-Season Challenge. With both drivers paired in a head-to-head matchup where only the winner would advance to the semifinals at Dover, Dillon pushed Bowman wide in the final turn, diving under him to secure his spot in the final four. “I told him (Bowman), man, if it wasn’t for the million dollars, I probably wouldn’t have done that, but I had to,” Dillon shared on the Rubbin is Racing podcast. “He was cool, which I appreciate. I think he understood it.” This post-race exchange, marked by a handshake and mutual respect, underscored a moment of sportsmanship that stood out in a sport often fueled by rivalries.

Bowman’s calm response was particularly striking given his recent clash with Bubba Wallace at the Chicago Street Race on July 6, 2025. On Lap 70 of the Grant Park 165, Bowman made contact with Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota, spinning him down DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Wallace finished 28th, five laps down due to a broken toe link, while Bowman took 8th, advancing in the tournament. Initially frustrated, Bowman was heard on his radio saying, “I’m not playing nice with this motherfucker,” but after a post-race chat, he clarified, “I hate to say he did it to himself, but he did it to himself,” noting Wallace’s misjudgment.

The contrast between these incidents reveals NASCAR’s complex dynamics. Dillon’s move wasn’t just a typical bump-and-run; it was a high-stakes decision in a tournament where every position mattered. With 10 laps to go, Bowman was 25th and Dillon 31st; by the final restart, Dillon trailed by one spot. The move paid off, propelling Dillon forward while ending Bowman’s tournament run. Yet, Dillon’s perspective as both a competitor and entertainer shaped his approach.

“I realize we are hardworking drivers who do a lot, but most of the drivers put so much on themselves that their interviews are shitty because they’re so focused on their world. But we are also entertainers. Most of what we do is entertain our fans, and we are a sport that relies on our fandom,” he explained on the podcast. This mindset allowed him to balance aggression with respect, ensuring the incident didn’t escalate.

Bowman’s decision to let the incident slide speaks volumes about his character. By choosing respect over rivalry, he avoided adding fuel to the NASCAR drama fire, setting a positive example. Bowman’s grace under pressure at Sonoma reinforces that NASCAR is as much about camaraderie as competition, paving the way for the next chapter of the In-Season Challenge. As the focus shifts to the final four, the stage is set for an epic showdown at Dover, where unexpected contenders will battle for the ultimate prize.

The In-Season challenge final four nobody saw coming.

The NASCAR In-Season Challenge has delivered surprises at every turn, and the final four—Ty Dillon, Ty Gibbs, Tyler Reddick, and John Hunter Nemechek—are proof that underdogs can shine. Dillon’s improbable run, capped by his Sonoma heroics, has made him a fan favorite. “I’m just here to have fun and race hard,” he said, reflecting his all-in approach despite not having a full-time ride for 2025. His journey from 31st to the final four showcases the grit that defines NASCAR’s Cinderella stories.

Ty Gibbs, below the playoff cutline, has defied expectations with his consistency. “I’m just focused on each race as it comes,” Gibbs noted, emphasizing his steady mindset. Tyler Reddick, still chasing his first win of the season, brings raw speed to the group. “I’m hungry for a win,” he declared, signaling his intent to capitalize on this opportunity. John Hunter Nemechek, the quiet contender, has proven his worth with consistent finishes. “I’m here to prove that I belong,” he stated, ready to seize his moment.

Dover’s demanding track awaits, where these four will battle for the $1 million prize. Each driver’s unique path. Dillon’s audacity, Gibbs’ resilience, Reddick’s hunger, and Nemechek’s steadiness promise a thrilling finale. This final four has already redefined expectations, proving that in NASCAR, heart and hustle can outshine the odds, making the Dover showdown a must-watch event.