Alex Bowman is sitting out his hometown race at Phoenix due to an ongoing bout of vertigo that started during the last race at the Circuit of the America.s
Bowman had to be replaced mid-race by Myatt Snider, a part-time NASCAR driver who happened to be at the track working for Fox during the broadcast. Snider had never been in a Cup Series race before and was approved on the spot.
Bowman didn’t initially know what his health issue was, but it was later diagnosed as vertigo and he has not yet fully recovered.
“Alex has worked very hard over the last several days,” Jeff Andrews, president of Hendrick Motorsports, said in a news release. “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.”
O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver Anthony Alfredo will sit in for Bowman at Phoenix in the No. 48 car. Alfredo made two Cup Series starts in 2025 and it will be his first time driving for Hendrick Motorsports in the series.
Hendrick Motorsports will apply for a medical waiver for Bowman to maintain his eligibility for The Chase postseason. He is currently 36th in the points standings with finishes in 40th, 23rd and 36th in the first three races of the year.
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