Clint Bowyer believes making it to the next round of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs is a difficult proposition for anyone.
Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 will determine the drivers who will move on to the Round of 8 in the playoff picture. Bowyer sits 21 points to the good in the standings. But the Stewart-Haas Racing driver says even for drivers coming into the race who are above the cutline to continue there are no guarantees.
“I am hoping it will be smooth sailing,” Bowyer said. “It never is. When the stakes are high like this and everything is on the line it is never easy. Look at the competition in the garage area. If you think it will be a cake walk, we have a 21 point lead or something and that isn’t enough.”
One of Bowyer’s SHR teammates Aric Almirola is already guaranteed a spot in the next round by virtue of his Talladega win a week ago. Another in Kevin Harvick needs to finish 26th or better Sunday to advance and Kurt Busch is 30 points above the cutoff.
There is more than a solid chance the entire quartet of SHR drivers has a chance to move on and get even closer to an opportunity to compete for the title in the Championship 4 finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
“If that isn’t something to celebrate I don’t know what is,” Bowyer said. “I think the pride – I was telling people over there yesterday in Texas – we are the team to beat. We are the organization that is on top right now. There is a great deal of pride that goes with that and a great deal of pride that comes with the manufacturer support and help we get from Ford.
“That army of people behind those four cars, and we are the only ones that have all four cars that have been in victory lane. The only one still alive with all their cars, all their guys. All efforts are still all chasing a championship and that is pretty awesome.”
Of course the proverbial icing on top of the cake would be if Bowyer could get his third win of the season in Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway. It is the Emporia, Kansas native’s home track and finding Victory Lane there remains a lifetime goal.
“So many emotions for so many different reasons that would be gratifying,” Bowyer said. “Being home, being with family and friends and everything that this area means to me.
“The fan following, the people that helped me hone my skills over there at Lakeside or I-70 Speedway. These are the guys I raced against to learn what it is I do and made me the racer that I am. Those are all the reasons it would be gratifying to win at home.”
