Alex Bowman pulls out of Phoenix race with vertigo

Field Level Media
06 Mar 2026, 02:10 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images)

NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman will miss Sunday's race at Phoenix Raceway while battling vertigo.

Anthony Alfredo will replace Bowman behind the wheel of the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.

Bowman, 32, became ill during last weekend's race at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, and was replaced by Myatt Snider. Snider was working for Fox Sports as a pit spotter when he was called on to relieve Bowman, who had completed 70 of the 95 laps. Snider finished 36th, with Bowman as starter the driver of record.

Bowman, an Arizona native, is an eight-time winner in the Cup Series. He underwent two days of medical testing before being diagnosed with vertigo, a condition usually caused by an inner-ear issue that can produce sensations of dizziness and loss of balance.

'Alex has worked very hard over the last several days,' Hendrick Motorsports president Jeff Andrews said. '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.'

Bowman missed five races in 2022 with a concussion and sat out three races in 2023 with a broken back. His most recent win came at the Chicago Street Course in July 2024.

Alfredo, 26, has made 43 career starts in the Cup Series. He is a simulator test drive for Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet.

--Field Level Media

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