Hendrick Motorsports taps Justin Allgaier to replace Alex Bowman in Las Vegas

Allgaier to drive No. 48 Chevrolet as Bowman deals with vertigo diagnosis

Mar. 10, 2026 at 11:39pm

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Hendrick Motorsports has announced that Justin Allgaier will replace Alex Bowman in the No. 48 Chevrolet for this weekend's race in Las Vegas. Bowman missed the previous race in Phoenix while dealing with the effects of vertigo, which he was diagnosed with after leaving his car at COTA a week earlier.

Why it matters

Bowman's vertigo diagnosis raises concerns about his health and ability to compete, while Allgaier's temporary promotion provides an opportunity for the veteran driver to showcase his skills in a top-tier NASCAR Cup Series car.

The details

Hendrick Motorsports revealed the driver change as part of its announcement of paint schemes for the upcoming race weekend in Las Vegas. Bowman had missed the previous race in Phoenix while dealing with the impacts of vertigo, which he was diagnosed with after leaving his car at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) a week earlier.

  • Bowman missed the race this past weekend at Phoenix.
  • Bowman was diagnosed with vertigo after leaving his car at COTA a week prior to the Phoenix race.

The players

Justin Allgaier

A veteran NASCAR driver who will temporarily replace Alex Bowman in the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.

Alex Bowman

The regular driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, who is dealing with a vertigo diagnosis that caused him to miss the previous race.

Hendrick Motorsports

The NASCAR Cup Series team that fields cars for drivers like Alex Bowman and Justin Allgaier.

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What’s next

Bowman's status for the Las Vegas race and beyond will be closely monitored as he recovers from the vertigo diagnosis.

The takeaway

Allgaier's temporary promotion to the No. 48 car provides him a high-profile opportunity, while Bowman's health issues raise concerns about his ability to compete at the top level of NASCAR.