Hendrick Driver Alex Bowman Sidelined by Vertigo for NASCAR Phoenix Race

Bowman will miss Sunday's Straight Talk Wireless 500 as he continues to recover from sudden vertigo symptoms.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman will not compete in this Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway due to ongoing vertigo issues. Bowman first experienced the symptoms during the previous race at Circuit of the Americas, where he had to exit the car on Lap 71 and be replaced by relief driver Myatt Snider. After medical evaluation this week, Bowman has been unable to get medical clearance to race, and Anthony Alfredo will fill in for him at Phoenix.

Why it matters

Bowman's vertigo diagnosis is a concerning development, as the condition can significantly impact a driver's ability to safely operate a race car at high speeds. Hendrick Motorsports will need to monitor Bowman's recovery closely and ensure he is fully healthy before allowing him to return to competition, prioritizing his safety above all else.

The details

Bowman, the 32-year-old driver from Tucson, Arizona, began experiencing vertigo symptoms during the race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) on March 5th. He was evaluated in the care center and received fluids, but was unable to continue driving. After two days of medical evaluation this week, Bowman drove laps in a street car on March 5th, but was still not cleared by doctors to race at Phoenix this Sunday.

  • Bowman experienced vertigo symptoms during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas on March 5th.
  • Bowman underwent two days of medical evaluation this week.
  • Bowman drove laps in a street car on March 5th, but was not cleared by doctors to race at Phoenix this Sunday.

The players

Alex Bowman

A 32-year-old NASCAR Cup Series driver for Hendrick Motorsports, competing in the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet.

Myatt Snider

The relief driver who replaced Bowman in the car at Circuit of the Americas when Bowman experienced vertigo symptoms.

Anthony Alfredo

The 26-year-old driver from Ridgefield, Connecticut, who will fill in for Bowman at the Phoenix Raceway this weekend.

Jeff Andrews

The president of Hendrick Motorsports, who provided updates on Bowman's condition and the team's plans.

Blake Harris

The crew chief for the No. 48 team that Alfredo will work with this weekend at Phoenix.

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What they’re saying

“It was an unexpected situation. Alex wasn't feeling well enough to continue, so we made the call to get him out of the car. It came on suddenly. He was seen in the care center and received fluids, but we don't have anything further to share at this time. We're grateful to Myatt for stepping in on such short notice.”

— Jeff Andrews, President, Hendrick Motorsports (Forbes)

“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. 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 (Forbes)

“First and foremost, I hate it for Alex (Bowman). No race car driver wants be in the position where they have to give up their seat for a weekend to someone else. His health is definitely the most important thing and I hope he gets back to the track soon. I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Blake (Harris) and the No. 48 team for this race. It's a group I'm already familiar with due to my relationship with Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet. The goal is to have a solid weekend at Phoenix (Raceway) and help get the team some good notes for future races.”

— Anthony Alfredo (Forbes)

What’s next

Hendrick Motorsports will request a medical waiver to allow Bowman to remain eligible for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series championship.

The takeaway

Bowman's sudden vertigo diagnosis is a concerning development that highlights the importance of driver safety in motorsports. The Hendrick Motorsports team is prioritizing Bowman's health and recovery, and will work to get him back on the track as soon as he is medically cleared, while also ensuring he remains eligible for the championship.