Mike Bowman, the 2017 World Series of Pro Mod Champion, has never been one to back down from a challenge. The Oak Hills, California native, well-known for his skill and determination, set out on a bold new path after competing in the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks, the first race in the DI Winter Series presented by J&A Service trilogy at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Bowman’s preparation for the U.S. Street Nationals was more than just routine maintenance—it was a full-scale transformation of his beloved ’69 Chevelle.
After years of running a ProCharger combination, Bowman made the bittersweet decision to return to his turbocharged roots. Over the course of the break between races, Bowman dedicated himself to switching the car’s power adder to a twin-turbocharged setup.
Working tirelessly—sometimes for 12 to 14 hours a day—Bowman handled the mechanical and fabrication work himself, showcasing his technical knowledge and fabrication work.
Back to Turbos: A Bittersweet Transition
For Bowman, the switch to turbos was both exciting and nostalgic, albeit tinged with a sense of loss. “The ProCharger guys were really good to me,” Bowman said in a video on his Facebook channel. “I didn’t think I’d miss the loud blower motor, but I kind of do. The responsiveness of the motor was incredible. But the sweet part of this change is going back to turbos. Everyone knows I’m a turbo guy, all the way back to 2002.”
This return to turbos wasn’t just about familiarity—it was about chasing performance. With Harts turbos on board, Bowman expressed excitement about the potential for his Chevelle to dominate on the track once again.
Challenges in the Workshop
The road to U.S. Street Nationals wasn’t without its hurdles. Bowman faced a major setback when he discovered a broken stud in the engine block during the teardown.
Extracting the stud, cleaning the block, and reassembling the engine added unplanned time and effort to an already tight schedule. “I thought I had five weeks, but it turned out to be four. Losing that week made me dig even harder,” he explained. “It was a good thing I did because we were working right up until the last minute.”
Despite the challenges, Bowman had the support of his family—Kayla, Cassidy, and his wife Kristy—who encouraged him through late nights in the garage. “I haven’t been very present, but I make time to barbecue a steak now and then,” he joked.
The Tightest Field in Doorslammer History
When the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals rolled around, Bowman and his crew were ready. However, they were met with an exceptionally fierce field—the tightest 32-car lineup in doorslammer history. The event’s staggering 3.647-second bump spot cemented its legendary status, and despite Bowman’s best efforts, his 3.677 at 198.20 mph left him just short, landing in the No. 47 spot.
Reflecting on the competition, Bowman praised his fellow racers. “They’re all certified badasses,” he said. “It doesn’t really matter who you line up against; it’s going to be a tight race. Everyone’s fast.”
Looking Ahead: Goals and Excitement
Though qualifying didn’t go as planned, Bowman remains optimistic. His primary goals for the DI Winter Series are clear: qualify, win rounds, and, ultimately, aim for another World Series of Pro Mod title—a feat no driver has accomplished twice.
“That would be huge,” Bowman said. “I just have to take it one round at a time, stay focused, and make it happen.”
Bowman is particularly excited about the new turbo setup in his Chevelle. “I’m looking forward to letting go of the button and feeling the car at a couple hundred feet when the lock-up comes on. I’ve never had a lock-up before, and I’m excited to feel the car pull 3Gs and makeup ET in the middle of the run.”
His ET goal for the U.S. Street Nationals? A solid 3.58. “I think that’s totally possible,” he said confidently. “I’ve got Steve Petty, Mark Micke, Chris Bell, and the best support team anyone could ask for. We’re ready to make it happen.”
The Mental Game
For Bowman, the mental preparation is as crucial as the mechanical. “Pressure doesn’t bother me,” he said. “I focus on each round as it comes. Once I get in the burnout box, I’m not nervous. I just do my thing—cut a good light and run fast. If you don’t cut a light at these races, you’re going home.”
The Road Ahead
As Bowman looks ahead to the DI Winter Series, he remains committed to excellence, both on and off the track. The 2,600-mile, 44-hour journey to the Bradenton Motorsports Park is always a haul, but Bowman is ready for the challenge.
He’s also looking forward to his daughters competing in Junior Dragsters at the final installment of the DI Winter Series, the World Series of Pro Mod.
To purchase tickets to the U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission, visit www.thewinterseries.com. To livestream the U.S. Street Nationals, check out https://flosports.link/4eXM9oa.
This story was originally published on January 21, 2025. 
The post Mike Bowman’s Turbocharged Return: From ProCharger to Turbos at the DI Winter Series first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
