Alex Bowman will not run the NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway this weekend, Hendrick Motorsports announced March 5.
According to Hendrick, Bowman has been diagnosed with vertigo.
Anthony Alfredo will fill in for Bowman in the No. 48.
“Alex has worked very hard over the last several days,” Jeff Andrews, president of Hendrick, said in a team 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 racecar, especially at his home track. We’ll continue to support Alex and look forward to his return as soon as he’s medically cleared.”
The release does not give a specific timetable for Bowman’s return.
Bowman stepped out of the No. 48 at Circuit of the Americas last weekend after beginning to experience symptoms of what ultimately was diagnosed as vertigo. Myatt Snider ran the rest of the event, finishing 36th.
Bowman’s best result this season is 23rd at EchoPark Speedway.
Alfredo failed to qualify for the season-opening Daytona 500 and made two Cup starts last year. He currently competes full time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, sitting 20th in points through three races with a best finish of 11th at Daytona International Speedway.
Kevin Rutherford is the executive editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2025 after being the managing editor since 2015, and serving on the editing staff since 2013.
At his day job, he's a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio -- you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.