Alex Bowman will miss the NASCAR Cup Series event at Phoenix Raceway on March 8 due to a vertigo diagnosis confirmed earlier this week. The 32-year-old driver from Tucson, Arizona, has been sidelined as he prioritizes his health and recovery, leading Hendrick Motorsports to name Anthony Alfredo as his replacement in the No. 48 Chevrolet for the upcoming race.
Bowman experienced vertigo symptoms during the recent road course race at Circuit of The Americas, prompting him to exit the competition on Lap 71. Following the incident, he underwent two days of medical evaluations and later took laps in a street car at the Ten Tenths Motor Club road course in Concord, North Carolina. Despite showing signs of improvement, Bowman did not receive medical clearance to compete in Phoenix this weekend.
Alex Bowman won’t compete in the Cup Series race at Phoenix due to being diagnosed with vertigo this week. Anthony Alfredo will drive the No. 48 car,
said Jayski.
Jeff Andrews, president of Hendrick Motorsports, offered insights into the decision to prioritize Bowman’s well-being over his participation.
Alex has worked very hard over the last several days,
Andrews commented.
We’re encouraged by the progress he’s making, but we have to prioritize his health above all else.
Andrews also acknowledged the adversity Bowman faces in sitting out an event, especially on his home circuit.
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.
Anthony Alfredo to Pilot No. 48 Ally Chevrolet at Phoenix Raceway
With Bowman unavailable, Anthony Alfredo has been selected to drive the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet at this weekend’s Phoenix race. The 26-year-old from Ridgefield, Connecticut, brings a solid background with 210 starts across NASCAR’s national series, including 43 appearances at the Cup level. Alfredo’s ongoing work with Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet in the team’s simulator programs also positions him well to step into the race environment with familiarity.
In addition, Hendrick Motorsports plans to file a medical waiver to safeguard Bowman’s eligibility for championship contention during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, ensuring that this temporary absence does not compromise his shot at the title.
Bowman’s Recent Struggles and Resilience
This vertigo diagnosis adds to a series of physical and competitive challenges Bowman has faced over recent seasons. In 2022, he suffered a concussion during the playoffs in Texas, followed by a fractured vertebra sustained in a sprint car crash in April 2023. Last year, Bowman experienced a disqualification at the Roval in October, despite achieving some of his strongest career performances and solidifying his status as a serious title contender.
The combination of persistent injuries and other setbacks has interrupted Bowman’s momentum, but his determination remains evident. He quickly returned to track activity in a controlled setting, taking laps shortly after the initial vertigo symptoms appeared at COTA. His team’s backing and the active pursuit of the medical waiver highlight an expectation for a swift comeback rather than a prolonged absence.
Given this context, Hendrick Motorsports and Bowman alike are focused on recovery and future competition readiness. The hope is that the current health issue will be a short-lived hurdle, allowing Bowman to resume his role in the championship fight fully prepared and without further disruption.
Alex Bowman won't compete in the Cup Series race at Phoenix due to being diagnosed with vertigo this week. Anthony Alfredo will drive the No. 48 car.https://t.co/YmQbznykQN
— Jayski (@jayski) March 5, 2026
