As the opening stage of the race unfolded, chaos struck when several cars became entangled in a wreck, catching Alex Bowman in the aftermath. Despite recent strong performances with Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet, Bowman’s vehicle suffered extensive damage that could not be repaired quickly enough for him to return to the track.

After Alex Bowman wrecked early Saturday, he was left to sit and watch and hope. And then Ryan Blaney delivered him the ultimate gift.

Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet - Sidelined by damage sustained in an accident in Stage One. Is there anything you could have done to avoid that wreck? “Being in front of it is really about all I could do,