Bowman to sit out Phoenix after vertigo diagnosis

Alex Bowman will sit out this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway after being diagnosed with vertigo. Anthony Alfredo, the simulator driver for Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet, will drive the No. 48 Hendrick Chevrolet in Bowman’s place.

Bowman received the diagnosis after being unable to finish at Circuit of The Americas last Sunday. Bowman began feeling ill during the race and pulled his car behind the wall with about 24 laps to go, where a driver swap with Myatt Snider was made.

Following two days of medical evaluations, Bowman drove some exploratory laps on Thursday in a road car at Ten Tenths Motor Club road course in Concord, N.C., after which the decision was made for him to stand down this weekend.

“Alex has worked very hard over the last several days,” said Jeff Andrews, president of Hendrick Motorsports. “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.”

Hendrick Motorsports will request a medical waiver from NASCAR to keep Bowman eligible for the Chase.