St. Petersburg native Alex Bowen is not the average teenager. Ever since he can remember, he has had a passion for racing.
It all started with karting. Bowen would eventually become one of the world’s youngest drivers in GT3, which is a classification that features modified production cars. Racing at more than 170 miles per hour is just part of a day’s work for the 18-year-old.
In August, Bowen was officially signed by Lamborghini as a GT3 Junior Driver. According to the organization’s website, the selected individuals are provided with “unfettered access to the Automobili Lamborghini Motorsport department” and work directly with staff.
“It’s a big relief,” Bowen said. “It’s not something that will stop my passion and my drive, but it was an indication for me and my dad that the work we’ve put in has paid off up to now.”
He joined the Vincenzo Sospiri Racing (VSR) team this year. Previously, Bowen was with Imperiale Racing.
In 2024, Bowen and his team achieved a podium finish at the Mugello Circuit (Italy) in the Italian Gran Turismo Endurance Championship. Last year, Bowen stood on the podium at the Vallelunga Circuit (Italy) in the first race of the season as well. He was only 16 at the time.
“It’s been a little tough,” Bowen said. “Being with Imperiale for two years, it starts to feel like a family. When you jump at such a professional level, there’s so many new people and you have to acclimate and get used to everybody so fast.”
“With a team supported by Lamborghini, there is an extra professional factor to it,” he continued. “Being able to be in the junior program and be with this team, I feel that I’m in a really good spot for my future.”
Currently, Bowen is in the middle of the season in the Italian GT Endurance series. Earlier this year, he participated in races (both in Italy) at the Misano World Circuit (in May) and Monza Circuit (in June). In Monza, Bowen and his team achieved fourth place.
His next event will take place at the Imola Circuit track in Imola, Italy, in September. In November, Bowen will attend a Lamborghini Junior GT3 “shoot-out” camp with a group of other drivers. He is the only participant from North America. The winner will qualify for a more advanced Lamborghini program and receive a year-long contract.
“I’m the youngest in the junior driver program by a year or two,” Bowen said. “It focuses on who can drive the car the best, who can change the setup and who understands the car and has knowledge of it.”
“The biggest thing is just being an off-track role model,” he continued. “You have to be able to work with everybody and not be an angry guy when something goes wrong. When they’re signing you, you become kind of a brand ambassador.”
When asked about his short-term aspirations, Bowen said “that’s what we have to figure towards the end of the year with Lamborghini.” If he wins the three-day shoot-out, the 2027 season “would be up to them.”
Bowen expressed interest in becoming a Lamborghini Factory Driver in the future. According to the organization’s website, the program features “a mix of young rising stars with solid experience, all coming from the Lamborghini Young Driver Program.”
“This would mean that I’m their driver and would be on salary,” he explained. “At that point, it’s a job for me.”
Kris Bowen, Alex’s father, added that the journey has been far from easy. He said that “we’re up against people right now who have endless budgets.” This makes it “all the more sweet when Alex goes up there and beats up on these guys.”
“What has probably been the most amazing part of all of it is the time that Alex and I spend together traveling,” Kris added. “I’m very emotional. So, when he podiums, I’m a mess and tear up. It is something I’ll never ever be able to replace.”
Racing is physically demanding. Alex explained that his training focuses on neck work and building stamina. He even runs with weighted vests and masks to help prepare his lungs for the experience. When Bowen is strapped in his vehicle, he can only take about 60% of a full breath.
“I could have never told myself two or three years ago that I’d be where I’m at working with Lamborghini,” Bowen said. “I could have never imagined having such a manufacturer really lay eyes on me and give me help for my racing career.”
He hopes to inspire the next generation of racing enthusiasts, especially those from humble financial backgrounds.
“I was once that kid who was looking up to all the other drivers,” Bowen explained. “It’s really special that I haven’t spent much time in motorsports, but I’ve gotten to where I am due to just never giving up, and I can share what I know with younger kids.”
This content provided in partnership with stpetecatalyst.com.