Hendrick Motorsports' Alex Bowman to miss NASCAR race at Phoenix Raceway due to vertigo diagnosis

The Arizona native will be replaced by veteran driver Anthony Alfredo as he recovers from the inner ear condition.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 10:11pm

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Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman has been ruled out of the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway due to a vertigo diagnosis. Bowman, an Arizona native who has found success at his hometown track in the past, is dealing with the inner ear condition that causes dizziness and disorientation. He will be replaced by veteran driver Anthony Alfredo as Bowman focuses on his recovery.

Why it matters

Bowman's absence is a significant blow for Hendrick Motorsports, as the 32-year-old driver is in the final year of his contract and looking to secure his long-term future with the team. The vertigo diagnosis also raises questions about Bowman's health and ability to compete at the highest level of NASCAR going forward.

The details

Bowman exited last Sunday's race at Circuit of the Americas after falling ill, and subsequent medical evaluation revealed he is suffering from vertigo. The condition occurs when tiny calcium crystals come loose from their normal location in the inner ear, causing a sensation of spinning or dizziness. Bowman attempted to complete laps in a street car on Thursday but has not been cleared to return to the No. 48 car full-time.

  • Bowman exited the race at COTA on Sunday, March 3, 2026 after falling ill.
  • Bowman was diagnosed with vertigo after two days of medical evaluation.
  • Bowman attempted to complete laps in a street car on Thursday, March 6, 2026, but has not been cleared to return to the No. 48 car.

The players

Alex Bowman

A 32-year-old NASCAR driver who competes full-time in the Cup Series for Hendrick Motorsports. Bowman is an Arizona native who has found success at Phoenix Raceway in the past.

Anthony Alfredo

A NASCAR veteran who will replace Bowman in the No. 48 car for the upcoming race at Phoenix Raceway. Alfredo has previously driven full-time in NASCAR's top-flight division.

Jeff Andrews

The president of Hendrick Motorsports, who stated the team will continue to support Bowman and look forward to his return once he is medically cleared.

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What they’re saying

“Alex has worked very hard over the last several days. We're encouraged by the progress he's making, but we have to prioritize his health above all else.”

— Jeff Andrews, President, Hendrick Motorsports (sportingnews.com)

“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.”

— Jeff Andrews, President, Hendrick Motorsports (sportingnews.com)

What’s next

Bowman will not be eligible to claim any points as a result of his injury, and he'll likely sit at least 65 points out of a playoff spot with his absence. The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Bowman's vertigo diagnosis is a significant setback for the Hendrick Motorsports driver as he looks to secure his long-term future with the team. The condition raises questions about his health and ability to compete at the highest level of NASCAR going forward, and his absence will be a blow to the team and its playoff aspirations.