NASCAR Update: Alex Bowman to Miss Race Due to Health Issues
AVONDALE, Arizona — In a disappointing turn of events for Hendrick Motorsports, driver Alex Bowman is set to miss the NASCAR race scheduled for Sunday at the Phoenix Raceway due to a recent diagnosis of vertigo. Bowman’s health issues surfaced during his previous race at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas, where he had to step out of his vehicle on the 71st lap, leading to Myatt Snider stepping in as a temporary replacement. Snider, who was present as a pit reporter for Fox Sports, performed the driver change mid-race.
Replacement Driver: Anthony Alfredo
Stepping in for Bowman this weekend will be Anthony Alfredo, who has a wealth of experience with 210 starts across NASCAR’s national series, including 43 in the Cup Series. Notably, Alfredo serves as the simulator test driver for both Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet, making him a natural choice for the role.
Bowman’s Health and Future
Bowman, a 32-year-old driver hailing from Arizona, faced two days of medical evaluations following the onset of his symptoms last week. Despite undertaking some practice laps in a street car at the Ten Tenths Motor Club in North Carolina, his medical team ultimately decided to keep him out of competition for the time being. Hendrick Motorsports President Jeff Andrews expressed optimism about Bowman’s recovery, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing his health while acknowledging the disappointment that comes from missing a race, particularly one at his home track.
Season Significance and Career Highlights
This season is critical for Bowman as he is in the final year of his contract with Hendrick Motorsports, which plans to seek a medical waiver to ensure he remains eligible for the NASCAR Cup Series championship qualifications. Over the course of his career, Bowman has celebrated eight victories in 364 Cup Series starts and has been a full-time driver for Hendrick Motorsports since 2018, qualifying for the playoffs every year except one. His tenure has not been without its setbacks, as he missed five races in 2022 due to a concussion and another three races last season because of a fractured spine. In 2020, he achieved his best performance, finishing sixth in the Cup standings.
Looking Ahead
As Bowman focuses on recovery, fans and the NASCAR community look forward to his return to the racetrack once he is given the green light by his medical team.
