Vertigo Sidelines NASCAR Driver Alex Bowman

Hendrick Motorsports driver to miss Phoenix race after medical evaluation

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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NASCAR driver Alex Bowman will miss Sunday's race at Phoenix Raceway after being diagnosed with vertigo. Bowman, who drives for Hendrick Motorsports, 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 in a contract year with Hendrick Motorsports, and the team says it will request a medical waiver so he remains eligible for the NASCAR Cup Series championship. Bowman has had previous health issues, including missing races in 2022 with a concussion and in 2023 with a broken back.

The details

Bowman began experiencing vertigo symptoms last Sunday in Texas and got out of the car on the 71st lap. He underwent two days of medical evaluation this week and drove laps Thursday in a streetcar before being ruled out of the Phoenix race. Hendrick Motorsports president Jeff Andrews said the team is encouraged by Bowman's progress but must prioritize his health.

  • Bowman left the race in Texas on March 5, 2026.
  • Bowman underwent medical evaluation on March 6-7, 2026.
  • Bowman drove laps in a streetcar on March 9, 2026.

The players

Alex Bowman

A 32-year-old NASCAR driver who competes full-time in the Cup Series for Hendrick Motorsports. He has eight career Cup Series wins.

Myatt Snider

A NASCAR driver who replaced Bowman mid-race at Circuit of the Americas last Sunday when Bowman became ill.

Anthony Alfredo

The driver who will replace Bowman in the No. 48 Chevrolet for this weekend's race at Phoenix Raceway. Alfredo is the simulator test driver for Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet.

Jeff Andrews

The president of Hendrick Motorsports, the team that fields cars for Bowman.

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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, Hendrick Motorsports (newser.com)

What’s next

Hendrick Motorsports says it will request a medical waiver for Bowman so he remains eligible for the NASCAR Cup Series championship despite missing this race.

The takeaway

Bowman's vertigo diagnosis highlights the health challenges NASCAR drivers can face, and the importance of prioritizing their well-being even when it means missing races. Hendrick Motorsports is supporting Bowman's recovery in hopes of his return as soon as he is medically cleared.