Alex Bowman feeling no pressure as Dale Earnhardt Jr. replacement

CONCORD, N.C. — Alex Bowman knows he has six races left in the Sprint Cup season. But he also realizes he could have six left in his Sprint Cup career.

There’s no guarantees in the life of a replacement driver, and with Dale Earnhardt Jr. hoping to return next season from a concussion that cost him 18 of 36 races, the 23-year-old is out to enjoy his time remaining at Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 88 Chevrolet. Qualifying second for Saturday’s Chase for the Sprint Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway — outpacing 11 drivers still in contention for the championship — certainly augmented that on Thursday night.

"One thing I said I was going to do throughout these races was to make the most of it and have the most fun I possibly could," he said. "I'm not going to let the pressure kill me. I’m not going to let the people on social media dictate how I feel when I go home at night. I’m just trying to have as much fun as I possibly can."

Bowman has filled the seat in the No. 88 Chevrolet four times this season, losing a chance at a potential high finish at Michigan International Speedway because of a flat tire. Retired four-time series champion Jeff Gordon replaced Earnhardt Jr. seven times. Bowman credits Earnhardt Jr. with saving his career by signing him to his JR Motorsports team part-time this year. Bowman produced his best Cup finish when he was 10th in the Chase opener at Chicago. He raced full seasons in 2014 and 2015 with BK and Tommy Baldwin Racing, respectively.

Follow Brant James on Twitter @brantjames.