Alex Bowman savoring his shot as Earnhardt's replacement (The Associated Press)

Alex Bowman believes Dale Earnhardt Jr. helped his racing career once already when he gave him a handful of starts with JR Motorsports. Now sidelined for the year with a concussion, Earnhardt also helped Bowman by recommending him as a replacement driver at Hendrick Motorsports. ''Dale Earnhardt Jr. saved my career two years ago when he gave me that chance in the Xfinity car,'' Bowman said.