Alex Bowman, the Hendrick Motorsports driver, will not participate in the NASCAR race scheduled for Sunday at Phoenix Raceway due to a vertigo diagnosis. Bowman began showing symptoms during last Sunday’s race at Circuit of the Americas in Texas, prompting his early exit and replacement midrace by Myatt Snider.
Details on Bowman’s Health and Replacement Driver
Bowman experienced vertigo symptoms during the Texas race and left the car on lap 71. The 32-year-old Arizona native underwent two days of medical assessment and even drove laps Thursday at the Ten Tenths Motor Club road course in Concord, North Carolina, before the team decided he could not compete in Phoenix. Anthony Alfredo will take over Bowman’s No. 48 Chevrolet this weekend. Alfredo brings experience from 210 NASCAR national series starts, including 43 at the Cup level, and also serves as Hendrick Motorsports’ and Chevrolet’s simulator test driver.
Team Statement and Medical Priorities
Jeff Andrews, president of Hendrick Motorsports, commented on Bowman’s situation:
“Alex has worked very hard over the last several days,”
he said.
“We’re encouraged by the progress he’s making, but we have to prioritize his health above all else. It’s obviously frustrating for him because he’s a competitor and wants to be in the race car, especially at his home track. We’ll continue to support Alex and look forward to his return as soon as he’s medically cleared.”
Implications for Bowman’s NASCAR Career
Bowman is in the final year of his contract with Hendrick Motorsports, which plans to request a medical waiver to maintain his eligibility for the NASCAR Cup Series championship. Throughout his career, Bowman has achieved eight wins in 364 Cup Series starts, making the playoffs every year since joining Hendrick full-time in 2018, except for one season. He has previously missed races due to a concussion in 2022 and a broken back in 2023. His best finish in the Cup standings was sixth place in 2020. The vertigo diagnosis marks the latest challenge in his racing tenure, but the team remains hopeful for his recovery and return to competition.
