Alex Bowman to Miss Phoenix Cup Race due to Vertigo

March 5, 2026 - 22:08

NASCAR driver Alex Bowman will be absent from the cockpit for this weekend's Cup Series event at Phoenix Raceway. The Hendrick Motorsports star is being sidelined as he recovers from symptoms of vertigo.

The condition arose following last Sunday's race at the Circuit of the Americas road course. While Bowman completed the event in Austin, he subsequently reported discomfort and has since been undergoing evaluation. Medical professionals have advised him not to compete, prioritizing his health and recovery.

This marks a significant setback for Bowman and the No. 48 team, currently positioned well in the early season standings. The team has confirmed that a replacement driver will be announced shortly to pilot the car in Phoenix.

Vertigo is not a new challenge in motorsports, with drivers occasionally affected by the inner-ear condition that causes a severe sensation of dizziness and imbalance. The intense physical demands of a NASCAR race, including high G-forces and extreme heat, make competing with such symptoms unsafe.

Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports have expressed their focus on a full recovery, with an expectation he will return to the car when medically cleared. The team asks for privacy and support for Alex during this time.