Alex Bowman will not race at Phoenix Raceway on March 8 after being diagnosed with vertigo, Hendrick Motorsports announced March 5. Bowman, 32, first felt symptoms during last weekend’s road-course race at Circuit of The Americas, where he got out of the car on lap 71 and handed driving duties to a relief driver. Team physicians ran a series of medical checks and supervised on-track assessments in the days that followed; the team says his recovery is the priority.
Hendrick confirmed Anthony Alfredo will take over the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet at Phoenix. Alfredo, 26, has 43 career Cup starts and more than 200 national-series races on his résumé, plus extensive simulator work for Hendrick and Chevrolet—experience the team believes will help him step into the car on short notice. Alfredo’s best Cup result includes two top-10 finishes, with a sixth-place at Talladega in 2026.
The organization also plans to apply for a medical waiver with NASCAR so Bowman won’t lose championship eligibility while he’s sidelined. Team president Jeff Andrews said the team supports Bowman’s recovery and won’t rush him back until doctors clear him. Hendrick’s focus, he added, is on Bowman’s long-term health rather than an immediate return.
What this means this weekend
– Short-term: Alfredo will be slotted into the No. 48, briefed on setup and strategy, and the crew will make the necessary adjustments ahead of practice and qualifying. – Competitive picture: A substitute brings uncertainty—Alfredo’s simulator familiarity reduces the learning curve, but limited Cup mileage raises the odds of performance swings. – Off-track: Sponsors and broadcasters will shift attention to team platforms and the stand-in driver; Hendrick says it will work to keep sponsor activations on track.
What’s next
Hendrick will provide updates as medical evaluations continue and after NASCAR reviews the waiver request. Bowman will remain under observation; the team has stressed a recovery-first approach and expects to announce further information once doctors and officials complete their assessments.