Vertigo Sidelines NASCAR Driver Alex Bowman

Hendrick Motorsports driver to miss Phoenix race after illness diagnosis

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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NASCAR driver Alex Bowman will miss this weekend's race at Phoenix Raceway after being diagnosed with vertigo. Bowman was too ill to continue racing last Sunday at Circuit of the Americas in Texas and was replaced mid-race. Anthony Alfredo will drive Bowman's No. 48 Chevrolet this weekend.

Why it matters

Bowman is a top driver for the powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports team and has made the NASCAR playoffs in all but one season since joining the team full-time in 2018. His absence is a significant blow as he competes in a contract year.

The details

Bowman began experiencing vertigo symptoms on Sunday in Texas and had to get out of the car on the 71st lap. After two days of medical evaluation, he was ruled out of this weekend's race at his home track in Phoenix. Hendrick Motorsports said they will request a medical waiver so Bowman remains eligible for the NASCAR Cup Series championship.

  • On March 5, Bowman was too ill to continue racing at Circuit of the Americas in Texas.
  • On March 6, Bowman will miss the NASCAR race at Phoenix Raceway.

The players

Alex Bowman

A 32-year-old NASCAR driver for Hendrick Motorsports who has been diagnosed with vertigo, forcing him to miss this weekend's race at Phoenix Raceway.

Anthony Alfredo

The simulator test driver for Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet, who will drive Bowman's No. 48 Chevrolet this weekend at Phoenix.

Hendrick Motorsports

The powerhouse NASCAR team that fields cars for Alex Bowman and other top drivers.

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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. 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 of Hendrick Motorsports (wbal.com)

What’s next

Hendrick Motorsports said they will request a medical waiver so Bowman remains eligible for the NASCAR Cup Series championship despite missing this weekend's race.

The takeaway

Bowman's vertigo diagnosis is a significant setback for the driver and Hendrick Motorsports as he competes in a contract year. The team is prioritizing his health, but his absence will be felt as he aims to make the playoffs once again.