Clint Bowyer 2019 season in review

Though winless, 2019 had its share of unforgettable moments for Clint Bowyer and the No. 14 team for Stewart-Haas Racing. From career milestones to pit road throwdowns, we recap the 40-year-old driver’s 14th full season in the Cup Series.

Bowyer’s runner-up finish in the spring race at Texas proved to be his highest finish of the year, also tying his highest-ever at the track (2011 spring). He also notched top fives at Atlanta, Richmond (spring), Kansas (spring), Pocono (spring), Indianapolis and the Roval.

With his seventh-place result the following week at Bristol, Bowyer obtained the 200th top 10 of his career. Bowyer’s 18 top 10s in 2019 -- now bringing his career total to 214 -- were his most since the 2013 season and tied for third- most in his career.

All-Star Weekend had additional fireworks after an on-track incident in the closing laps led to an altercation between Bowyer and Ryan Newman on pit road. Bowyer charged Newman in his car and threw a flurry of punches that connected, capping off an electric night at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The combination of six top fives and 12 top 10s was just enough to help Bowyer to point his way into the NASCAR Playoffs, marking consecutive appearances for the first time under the current format.

At the playoff opener in Las Vegas, Bowyer clinched the Busch Pole Award for the third time in his career and first since 2007. SHR swept all four starting positions with Daniel Suarez, Kevin Harvick and Aric Almirola following behind.

Bowyer made his 500th career Cup Series start in October’s race at Talladega. In the week following the race, SHR announced Bowyer’s return to the No. 14 for a fourth season in 2020.

Despite finishing eighth in the playoff race at Kansas, Bowyer’s title hopes ended in the Round of 12. He did close the year with back-to-back top 10s.