2012 recap: Bowyer had the best season of his career with three victories and a second-place finish in the standings. It was his first year at Michael Waltrip Racing, have made the move from Richard Childress Racing after the 2011 season.

Bowyer earned the first road-course victory of his career in June at Sonoma, giving MWR its first Cup victory as an organization. Bowyer also won at Richmond in September and Charlotte in October.