Alex Bowman experienced a sudden onset of vertigo while competing in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), forcing him to exit the race mid-event. Following medical evaluations throughout the week, Bowman was not cleared to race at this weekend’s Phoenix Raceway event due to the severity of his condition. Anthony Alfredo will substitute for Bowman by driving the No. 48 car at Phoenix, which will be ready for Bowman’s return when he recovers.
Hendrick Motorsports describes Bowman’s injury as unusual and sudden
Jeff Andrews from Hendrick Motorsports spoke candidly about Bowman’s health situation during a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio interview, calling the vertigo “very odd.” He explained that there had been no prior signs of the problem, despite several conversations with Bowman throughout the race weekend. The vertigo symptoms appeared unexpectedly during the race, worsening as the event progressed.
“No, there was nothing. There was no indication prior to the race. Several of us talked to Alex for quite a while, not only through the weekend but then again on Sunday. So, at some point during the race, this started to set in with him and became progressively worse.”
– Jeff Andrews, Hendrick Motorsports
Although Bowman has endured multiple injuries in the past, Hendrick’s team does not believe they are connected to his current vertigo. Andrews added,
“It really has kind of come out of nowhere, so to speak.”
– Jeff Andrews, Hendrick Motorsports
Andrews noted that Bowman has previously dealt with back and neck pain, which is common among drivers who endure the physical stresses of racing, but there was nothing unusual in his treatment or condition before this incident.
“Alex has been seen and treated for some back and neck pain in the past, like I think most of these guys and ladies that strap into these stock cars and cinch those belts do after a fairly long career. But nothing out of the ordinary. Our staff hadn’t been treating him any differently from another driver or athlete.”
– Jeff Andrews, Hendrick Motorsports
Ongoing medical evaluations and focus on recovery
Currently, Bowman is undergoing comprehensive testing to determine the exact cause of the vertigo. Hendrick Motorsports confirmed there is no evidence of a concussion or any brain injury that could cause long-term effects, offering some reassurance about his prognosis.
“Yeah, don’t really have answers right now because it is so early on. I do know that he’s working super hard to get through this. He’s got a great team of specialists that are looking into this and looking after him.”
– Jeff Andrews, Hendrick Motorsports
“He’s undergone several rounds of testing to pinpoint exactly what it is. So the good news is it’s absolutely nothing concussion-related, anything like that, that should have a long-term effect.”
– Jeff Andrews, Hendrick Motorsports
“We’re supporting him as he goes down the right path and sees the right people to get himself better. That’s certainly our first priority, the health and safety of Alex Bowman, not only in one of our race cars but his personal health as a whole. We’ll support him however long this takes, and that seat will be ready for him when he’s ready to get back in that car.”
– Jeff Andrews, Hendrick Motorsports
Myatt Snider reflects on vertigo’s seriousness and transition to Cup racing
Myatt Snider, who substituted for Bowman at COTA—his first NASCAR Cup Series start—highlighted the seriousness of vertigo and expressed support for Bowman’s ongoing recovery. He chose to keep the situation private during the recovery period to allow Bowman to focus solely on his health.
“Thanks Chad Knaus, Jeff Andrews and Hendrick for the nod Thanks Brad Moran & Elton Sawyer from NASCAR for the quick approval Thanks Blake Harris & the 48 team for turning the car around and being professionals in a tough situation Thanks to FOX & Jamie Little for blessing it all.”
– Myatt Snider, NASCAR driver
“Lastly, wishing Alex the best as he recovers from all this. Vertigo is no joke. This whole week I wanted him to be able to focus on his recovery. Thus why I haven’t talked about anything up until now. I hope he can climb back in soon. Until then, best of luck Anthony Alfredo!”
– Myatt Snider, NASCAR driver
Implications for Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports moving forward
Alex Bowman’s vertigo diagnosis comes as a significant setback, given his prominent role with Hendrick Motorsports and the NASCAR Cup Series. The team’s patient, medical-first approach highlights the urgency and concern surrounding his health while demonstrating the readiness to support Bowman’s return whenever he is fit. Meanwhile, the No. 48 car remains in capable hands with substitute drivers like Snider and Alfredo, ensuring competitiveness on the track during Bowman’s recovery period.
As Bowman continues evaluation and treatment with specialists, his recovery timeline remains uncertain, underscoring the unpredictable nature of vertigo. His condition has brought attention to the physical toll racing can inflict and the importance of prioritizing driver health amid demanding schedules and high-stress environments.
