While reports are that Alex Bowman is working hard to alleviate his issues with vertigo and has shown some improvement; Hendrick Motorsports announced on March 17 that Bowman will miss at least the next three races doe to continued symptoms.
A designated Hendrick Motorsports relief driver, Justin Allgaier will continue driving the number 48 car while Bowman continues to recover.
Bowman began having issues during the road course race at COTA – Circuit of the Americas. After some quick discussions from NASCAR officials, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series part time driver and some time pit road spotter for FOX Sports Myatt Snider was approved to serve as a relief driver for Bowman.
With short notice and not time to prepare the car for a new driver, Hendrick Motorsports simulator driver Anthony Alfredo took over the driving duties of the number 48 car.
Last week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Justin Allgaier drove the number 48 car and will continue to do so until Bowman is ready to return to the 48 car.
Jeff Andrews, president and general manager of Hendrick Motorsports spoke on Bowman via a team release saying, “Alex continues to experience symptoms, so we are following the guidance of the medical team and giving him the time he needs to recover. We see how hard he’s working to get back behind the wheel, and we’re looking forward to his return when he’s medically cleared. Everyone at Hendrick Motorsports is 100% behind Alex.”
HMS has promised Bowman that the 48 car is his once he is ready to return. Hendrick will seek a medical waiver for Alex Bowman once he returns so that Bowman will be eligible for the playoffs should he be one of the top 16 drivers when the playoffs begin.
With HMS drivers rotating as drivers for the JR Motorsports number 88 car; it was Bowman’s turn this weekend at Darlington. With Bowman out, Kyle Larson will once again step in and drive the car for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series JRM 88 car this weekend at Darlington. Larson won the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Las Vegas last weekend.
JRM posted on social media saying, “we continue to wish Alex a speedy recovery as Kyle Larson will substitute in the number 88 Chevrolet this weekend at Darlington. We also wish Justin the best of luck behind the wheel of the number 48, we will be watching.”