The upcoming fourth Cup Series at Phoenix will be an interesting one to watch, as all eyes will be on Tyler Reddick after his three-peat. However, right now, it is Alex Bowman creating headlines with his health scare.
Hendrick Motorsports has confirmed that Alex Bowman has been diagnosed with vertigo. He experienced symptoms at the Circuit of the Americas, where many drivers struggled with the extremely hot weather.
The 32-year-old drove into the garage after 70 laps and was soon given medical assistance. Myatt Snider, the spotter for FOX Sports that day, was brought in as Bowman’s relief driver, driving the No. 48 Chevrolet to a 36th-place finish.
The team said that it will request a medical waiver to keep Bowman eligible for the rest of the 2026 Cup Series.
Jeff Andrews, president of Hendrick Motorsports, said, “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.”
He also mentioned it would be frustrating for Bowman to miss out on a race at his home ground.
“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 Andrew said.
Meanwhile, Anthony Alfredo will be driving the No. 48 Chevrolet in place of Bowman.
Anthony Alfredo reflected on what he must do in No. 48
While Alfredo knows he has a big opportunity in front of him, he admits his concern for Bowman tops that feeling. Ahead of his big break, he is simply focused on going out and doing well for the team.
He said, “I don’t want to see anyone in the position Alex is in, so it’s hard for me to be excited. That makes it certainly disappointing, because a lot of people are asking me how excited I am, and I’m not excited that I have to fill in for someone who’s not able to be in their own car this weekend.”
The 26-year-old has earned the trust of the team, with the No. 48 crew chief, Blake Harris, also pointing out how familiar the team already is with Alfredo.
In Mexico City last year, he was on standby as Bowman suffered a back injury following the crash at Michigan.
Besides being a regular in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Alfredo has also raced in the ARCA Menards and the Truck Series.
However, his Cup Series debut came in 2021 with Front Row Motorsports. Later on, he also worked with Beard Motorsports. To date, he has about 43 Cup Series starts.
“But it is, of course, a huge opportunity for me to go out there and do a good job and maybe turn some heads, but I don’t even feel like I have to prove anything to anybody. “Alfredo said.
“Honestly, I don’t think they would have picked me if they didn’t think I could do it right, so it’s not about that. I think it’s more going out there and just doing what’s asked of me and doing a good job behind the wheel, filling in.”