Jeff Gordon updates Alex Bowman injury status for Mexico City following a major crash at Michigan International Speedway, which left Bowman’s participation in Sunday’s Viva Mexico 250 in question. Despite soreness from the heavy impact, Hendrick Motorsports says Bowman has been cleared to race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez as NASCAR fans await his return.
Alex Bowman’s Condition After Michigan Crash
On Lap 67 at Michigan International Speedway, Alex Bowman collided with the outside wall in a frightening accident that forced NASCAR to display the red flag. Two days after the crash, Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon spoke to Danielle Trotta on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, providing clarity on Bowman’s position for the upcoming weekend.
Bowman was reportedly aching both immediately after the incident and into the following day, especially given his history with back injuries. However, Gordon expressed confidence that his driver would recover in time for the Mexico City event.
“That was a huge impact, and I was happy to see him let the window net down,”
—Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman, Hendrick Motorsports
“I heard him on the radio when he said he was OK, and to see him get out of that car — we know that Alex has had an injury with his back before. Of course, you worry about that happening again. He certainly was extremely sore afterwards and the next day, but right now, we are confident he will be in the car this weekend.”
—Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman, Hendrick Motorsports
Bowman’s History with On-Track Incidents
Alex Bowman has not been a stranger to severe accidents over his career. In April 2023, he suffered a fractured vertebra when his Sprint Car flipped during a High Limit Racing event, sidelining him from four Cup Series races. Bowman acknowledged that this crash at Michigan was the most severe he has experienced, comparing it to previous incidents.
“Yeah, that hurt a lot. Probably top of the board on hits I’ve taken, and unfortunately, I’ve taken a lot of hits,”
—Alex Bowman, Driver, Hendrick Motorsports
“So, hate that for the Ally 48 team, obviously, Ally’s from here. Yeah, it looks like, I don’t know, the 41 got loose or the 2 got into him or something. Then, yeah, at that point you’re just along for the ride. Couldn’t really do anything except think about, ‘Oh, shit, this is about to hurt really bad.’ Yeah, hate that for our team, and it’s been a rough two months. So, just gotta keep digging.”
—Alex Bowman, Driver, Hendrick Motorsports
Recent Performance and Playoff Implications
The crash at Michigan marked Bowman’s third DNF of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, contributing to a string of struggles in which he has placed 27th or worse in seven of his last nine races. The difficult spell has seen Bowman slip to 13th in points, leaving his playoff hopes in a precarious position as he hovers near the cut line.
Looking Ahead to the Viva Mexico 250
Mexico City now offers Bowman a fresh opportunity to rebound amid mounting pressure. The driver has performed admirably on road courses in the past, notching a victory at last year’s Chicago Street Race. As Bowman sets his sights on Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and the Viva Mexico 250, both fans and Hendrick Motorsports will watch closely for signs of recovery and a return to form.
The situation involving Alex Bowman’s injury status and swift return not only underscores the inherent risks of NASCAR competition but also frames the Mexico City race as a potential turning point in his season. With Jeff Gordon providing reassurance, all eyes shift to how Bowman will capitalize on his next chance behind the wheel.
