Clint Bowyer is bringing a unique look to Talladega Superspeedway this weekend.
The Michael Waltrip Racing driver will honor Alabama’s national championship with his car – and legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant with his helmet.
Bowyer, who enters Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 sitting 12th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings, says that the helmet part of the look was actually his idea.
“I always have icons on the back of my helmets,” he said. “I've had them on my helmet all year long. Trying to think of something to do with Alabama, it was only fitting to have Bear Bryant on the back of it. So it's a pretty cool helmet that Nick Pastura painted for me.
“I just want to get down there and hopefully have the same success we've had over the past couple of years. Talladega is good to me, had a lot of fun there, and I can't think of anything bigger than to win in Talladega, Alabama, than with the Alabama car.”
And while Bowyer likes honoring men like Bryant, and all athletes who reach the pinnacle of their sport, he admits his true fan support still lies with his home state team.
“First of all, I'm from Kansas so I'm a pretty big KU fan. I think everybody knows that,” he said. “But the Alabama partnership came along with (sponsor) Aaron's and the SEC partnership that they have after they had Alabama on it, and winning the national championship this year. Certainly a KU fan, but respect all athletics and certainly respect what they've accomplished in the past years. It's going to be fun to have the Alabama colors for one day.”
