Alex Bowman, the driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, stands in Victory Lane after winning the pole award for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 11, 2018, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Photo – Jared C Tilton/Getty Images

Alex Bowman has never liked the nickname “Bowman the Showman.”

Not one to try to hog the limelight, Bowman would rather be known for his prowess on the race track, but he acknowledges that his soubriquet has already gained traction.

“I think at this point I’ve just got to own it, right?” Bowman said. “I don’t see it changing anytime soon. I’m not the biggest fan of it, but kind of is what it is at this point.”

Asked whether he expects to see “Bowman the Showman” T-shirts at the merchandise trailer, Bowman replied,

“Oh man, I don’t know. I’m not in charge of the T-shirt department.  If they put that on a t-shirt, you won’t see me wearing it, I can tell you that much.”

Bowman did reveal that his crew chief, Greg Ives, has a nickname, too, based on some of the esoteric things he says.

“Greg has been great to work with,” Bowman said. “He’s still ‘the Riddler.’ Sometimes he puts out sentences that you are like, ‘What?!’  But he’s so smart. He’s just great to work with and is always looking out for any little advantage he can get.

“That’s why he kind of talks the way he talks sometimes and says the things he says sometimes, just trying to take advantage of anything he can. Really looking forward to working with him. He’s a great guy and a great friend.”