CONCORD, N.C. — Alex Bowman’s future at Hendrick Motorsports is beginning to raise questions — and not because of a lack of talent.
The Arizona native is currently sidelined after being diagnosed with vertigo, with symptoms first appearing following the NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas. It marks the latest setback in what has become a concerning pattern of missed time over the past several seasons.
This is far from Bowman’s first stint on the sidelines. In 2022, he suffered a concussion after a crash at Texas Motor Speedway, forcing him to miss five races during the critical playoff stretch. The following year, a sprint car accident resulted in a fractured vertebra, sidelining him for three more races and ultimately derailing his postseason hopes.
Fast forward to 2026, and Bowman is expected to miss at least five races due to his current condition. In total, that brings him to a minimum of 13 races missed over the last five years — a significant number for a driver in one of NASCAR’s premier organizations.
That level of absence has made it difficult to build consistency, both in the standings and within the No. 48 team. While Bowman has shown race-winning speed at times, extended stretches away from the car have disrupted momentum and limited his ability to contend over a full season.
His contract with Hendrick Motorsports runs through 2026, placing added importance on both his health and performance moving forward. For an organization that prides itself on consistency and championships, availability is just as critical as speed.
As Bowman works toward a return, the question isn’t about his ability — it’s about whether he can stay on track long enough to secure his future.
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