What is Vertigo? Why Alex Bowman Can’t Race This Weekend
What’s Happening? Alex Bowman revealed he will be stepping away from the cockpit during the race at Phoenix this weekend after…
Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman will miss the rest of March and, at least, a portion of April as he continues to battle vertigo-like symptoms, the team announced Tuesday afternoon.
Per Hendrick Motorsports, Bowman, who was slated to race in both the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts and Cup Series races this weekend, will miss “at least the next three NASCAR Cup Series races.”
This portion of the schedule includes races at Darlington Raceway, Martinsville Speedway, and Bristol Motor Speedway, which means if he is cleared to return after this stretch, the first race of Bowman’s return would be on April 19 at Kansas Speedway.
In Hendrick Motorsports’ press release on Bowman’s condition, President and General Manager of Hendrick Motorsports Jeff Andrews said:
“Alex continues to experience symptoms, so we are following the guidance of the medical team and giving him the time he needs to recover. We see how hard he’s working to get back behind the wheel, and we’re looking forward to his return when he’s medically cleared. Everyone at Hendrick Motorsports is 100% behind Alex.”
The team also confirmed that Bowman’s replacement for last week’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Justin Allgaier, will fill in for the Arizona native in those three races. JR Motorsports, for which Bowman was slated to drive in the OAP Series this weekend, has confirmed that Kyle Larson will drive the No. 88 in his place.
Bowman’s journey to return to action from his vertigo diagnosis began during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas on March 1, with Bowman stepping out of his No. 48 partway through the race.
After that race, HMS announced Bowman was out for the following week’s race at Phoenix Raceway, subbing in NASCAR OAP Series regular Anthony Alfredo. After Phoenix Bowman missed this past weekend’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Justin Allgaier took over duties.
While there is no clear timeline for his return, as vertigo has no exact treatment or length, most fans agree that they are glad Bowman is getting the time to recover.
Of course, under NASCAR’s new Chase format, Bowman will have to request a waiver to be Chase eligible, something he will likely be awarded, and score enough points to find his way back into the top 16. This is a tough ask, as a poor start to the season rendered Bowman just 23 points, leaving him 94 points below the cutline.
What’s Happening? Alex Bowman revealed he will be stepping away from the cockpit during the race at Phoenix this weekend after…
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