Why Alex Bowman isn’t actually driving his own No. 48 car in NASCAR race at Phoenix originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Alex Bowman’s No. 48 car will be racing in the NASCAR action in Phoenix on Sunday.
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Bowman won’t actually be driving it, though.
This comes a week after Bowman left mid-race for Fox’s spotter, Myatt Snyder, to jump into his car at Circuit of the Americas.
Snyder isn’t driving this week, either. The 48 car has a different substitute.
Why isn’t Alex Bowman driving this week?
Bowman was diagnosed with vertigo, which is keeping him out of action.
“Alex has worked very hard over the last several days,” Jeff Andrews, president of Hendrick Motorsports, said in a statement. “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.”
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Who is driving Alex Bowman’s 48 car?
Anthony Alfredo is driving the 48 car in place of Bowman on Sunday at Phoenix Raceway.
“First and foremost, I hate it for Alex,” Alfredo said in a release. “No race car driver wants to be in the position where they have to give up their seat for a weekend to someone else. His health is definitely the most important thing, and I hope he gets back to the track soon. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Blake (Harris, crew chief) and the No. 48 team for this race. It’s a group I’m already familiar with due to my relationship with Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet. The goal is to have a solid weekend at Phoenix and help get the team some good notes for future races.”
According to NASCAR.com:
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“In a statement, Hendrick Motorsports said the team will request a medical waiver to allow Bowman to remain eligible for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series championship.”
