NASCAR Cup Series Star to Miss Race at Phoenix

Photo Credit: USAT

NASCAR Cup Series Star to Miss Race at Phoenix

Originally posted on EasySportz | By Jackson Fryburger | Last updated Mar 5, 2026 6:31 PM ET

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman will miss Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway after being diagnosed with vertigo following last weekend’s event at Circuit of the Americas.

Bowman began experiencing symptoms during Sunday’s race at COTA and exited the No. 48 Chevrolet on Lap 71. With no standby driver available, Myatt Snider stepped in to finish the race, and Bowman was credited with a 36th-place finish.

After undergoing two days of medical evaluation this week, Bowman was ruled out of competition for Phoenix as the team prioritizes his recovery.

Anthony Alfredo will drive the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet this weekend in Bowman’s place. The 26-year-old Ridgefield, Connecticut native serves as a simulator driver for Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet and has made 210 starts across NASCAR’s national series, including 43 in the Cup Series.

Alex Bowman will miss Phoenix after being diagnosed with vertigo this week.

"We’ll continue to support Alex and look forward to his return as soon as he’s medically cleared."https://t.co/hZpLfloBfc pic.twitter.com/Mzmwvsd7PU
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) March 5, 2026

“Alex has worked very hard over the last several days,” Hendrick Motorsports president Jeff Andrews said in a statement. “We’re encouraged by the progress he’s making, but we have to prioritize his health above all else.”

The team said it plans to request a medical waiver from NASCAR so Bowman remains eligible for the 2026 Cup Series championship while he recovers.

Phoenix marks the fourth race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.

This article first appeared on EasySportz and was syndicated with permission.

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