Bowman, Larson reflect on 2018 seasons

LAS VEGAS — 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano wasn’t the only driver present at the NASCAR Awards Banquet in Sin City Thursday night.

All 16 Playoff drivers from this season made an appearance at the Wynn Las Vegas, making remarks during the banquet and holding media availabilities prior to the start of banquet.

Alex Bowman, who replaced Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the No. 88 Chevrolet at Hendrick Motorsports this year, reflected on what he will remember most from 2018.

“Being on the pole for the Daytona 500 and some of the strong runs we had were great,” said Bowman to The Racing Experts, who finished 16th in driver’s standings, a career high.

“We had our fair share of ups and downs and we definitely want a lot more. Hopefully going into ‘19, we’re a lot stronger, but it was a solid year for us.”

Kyle Larson, although winless in 2018, finished ninth in the championship standings, recording 12 top-five finishes.

“The finish I had with Kyle Busch at Chicago stands out as a really fun race,” Larson said of what will be most memorable in 2018.

“I ran really hard there at the end to catch him, and then to have our fun little battle there on the last lap. Even though I didn’t get the win, it was still still an exciting finish.

“That’s probably the one thing I can think right now of off the top of my head that I’ll probably remember for a long time.”