Last weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, at times the Cup Series resembled more of a demolition derby than a race with a record number of cautions and several drivers hitting the wall with tire issues

One of those drivers was Alex Bowman, the driver of the Hendrick Motorsports number 48 car.  Since the race Bowman has been seen by a doctor and; as a result, will not be a part of the lineup for the race in Talladega.  Bowman is being treated for concussion like symptoms.

Bowman issued a statement on social media Bowman said, “after undergoing medical evaluation due to concussion-like symptoms, I will not be driving the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet in Talladega.  I’m disappointed but know my health is the number one priority.”

JR Motorsports driver Noah Gragson will take over the driving duties for Bowman at Talladega.  A part time driver in the Cup Series, Gragson was scheduled to drive the number 62 Beard Motorsports car at Talladega; but with his moving over to drive for the ailing Alex Bowman; JR Motorsports driver Justin Allgaier will take over the driving duties for the number 62 car.

Bowman is currently in the last spot in the top 12 drivers – one of four drivers below the cut line.  He is 26 points below the cut line going into Talladega.  The bottom four drivers in points will be eliminated from the next round after the race next week at The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

NASCAR has granted Hendrick Motorsports a waiver for Bowman to remain in the playoffs should he have enough points when he returns to the track. 

Kurt Busch continues to recover from his concussion which he received after a qualifying wreck at Pocono Raceway in July.