Alex Bowman will not drive in this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway after being diagnosed with vertigo, marking another interruption in his racing schedule. The Hendrick Motorsports driver’s focus keyword, Alex Bowman vertigo diagnosis, comes after he exited his car early during the previous event and underwent a series of medical evaluations.
Late Race Exit Sparks Medical Review
During last weekend’s race at Circuit of the Americas, Bowman, a Tucson, Arizona native, left the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet with about 20 laps remaining because of sudden illness. Part-time competitor Myatt Snider stepped in to complete the race in Austin, Texas, providing immediate relief for the team.
This incident prompted Hendrick Motorsports to deliver an update on Bowman’s health. At 32, Bowman reportedly experienced symptoms consistent with vertigo, confirmed during two days of medical tests this week. In a bid to secure clearance for the upcoming Phoenix event, Bowman even drove laps at the Ten Tenths Motor Club road course in Concord, North Carolina on Thursday.
Anthony Alfredo Steps in as Replacement Driver
To fill the gap, Hendrick Motorsports announced Anthony Alfredo, a 26-year-old full-time competitor in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with Viking Motorsports, as the interim driver for the No. 48 Chevrolet at Phoenix. Alfredo, who also serves as the simulator driver for both Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet, will take Bowman’s place for this race weekend.
Team Statement on Bowman’s Absence
Jeff Andrews, president of Hendrick Motorsports, commented on Bowman’s efforts and the decision to sideline him, emphasizing that the driver’s health is paramount:
“Alex has worked very hard over the last several days,”
said Jeff Andrews, president of Hendrick Motorsports.
“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.”
The team has not offered a specific timetable for Bowman’s return, reiterating that his seat will remain vacant until he is completely cleared by medical professionals.
Bowman’s Career Challenges and Recent Performance
This setback is not Bowman’s first medical exclusion from NASCAR Cup Series competition. In 2022, after suffering concussion-like symptoms from a crash at Texas Motor Speedway, he missed five events. Later, in 2023, he sat out three points races and the NASCAR All-Star Race after injuring his back in a dirt sprint car accident in Iowa. Across his Cup Series career, Bowman has participated in 364 events, achieving eight wins, 46 top-five finishes, 112 top-tens, and claiming pole position seven times.
The start of the 2026 season has been especially difficult for Bowman, who currently stands 36th in the point standings after just three races. His absence from Phoenix is another blow for both the driver and the Hendrick Motorsports team as they look ahead to the rest of the season.
Looking Ahead for Bowman and the Team
With both Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports now understanding the medical cause behind last weekend’s incident, attention turns to his recovery and future eligibility. The team and fans await further updates on Bowman’s health, while Anthony Alfredo steps into a high-pressure role at Phoenix Raceway. As everyone prioritizes health and safety, the expectation remains that Bowman’s return will depend solely on medical clearance, with no set schedule for rejoining the field.
