Bowman’s NASCAR Return Comes With A Familiar Problem And Less Time To Fix It
Alex Bowman is back after another injury setback, but at Hendrick Motorsports the real challenge isn’t returning—it’s proving you still belong.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 22: Alex Bowman poses for a photo during NASCAR Production Days at Charlotte Convention Center on January 22, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) Getty Images Alex Bowman is back.
Again. The team announced Thursday that the Hendrick Motorsports driver will be back in the No. 48 Chevrolet this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Bowman has missed the last four NASCAR Cup races after he started experiencing symptoms of vertigo during the March 1 event at Circuit of The Americas forcing him to get out of the car during the race. Starting the following week at Phoenix Raceway, sadly his home track, Bowman was replaced by Anthony Alfredo, then by Justin Allgaier in the remaining three races. But the Cup series had a week off giving Bowman extra time to get his balance back, he took some laps in a street car at the Ten Tenths Motor Club road course in Concord on Tuesday, followed up by taking part in pit stop practice the following day, along with simulator testing and a medical evaluation he has now been formally cleared for competition without restrictions.
“I’m grateful for the support I’ve had from Hendrick Motorsports, my sponsor Ally, our fans and the medical team throughout this process,” Bowman said. “It’s been tough being out of the car, but we all wanted to make sure I was 100% ready before returning. I feel really good, and I’m excited about being at the track with my team and getting back to racing.