The NASCAR world was hit with disappointing news on Wednesday afternoon when Hendrick Motorsports announced that Alex Bowman would miss three to four weeks due to a fractured vertebra suffered during a sprint car wreck on Tuesday night.
Bowman, 30, was involved in an accident while competing in Kyle Larson’s new dirt series, High Limit Racing, and flipped multiple times before exiting the vehicle under his own power. The 30-year-old driver is home and receiving treatment now.
Rick Hendrick, the team owner of Hendrick Motorsports, released the following statement on Bowman’s injury.
“We’re relieved (Alex Bowman) is home, in good spirits and getting world-class treatment. Giving him ample time and the foremost resources to heal is our top priority. He’s having a tremendous season, and the No. 48 is at the top of its game. We know what (Josh Berry) is capable of in the race car and that (Blake Harris) and the team will continue operating at a high level until Alex is ready to return. He has our full, unequivocal support.”
Rick Hendrick on Alex Bowman’s injury in 2023
This is the second injury that a Hendrick Motorsports driver has suffered an injury during the 2023 NASCAR season. Chase Elliott, the driver of the No. 9 car, missed six weeks due to a fractured left tibia suffered in a snowboarding accident after the race weekend at Auto Club Speedway.
Josh Berry replaced Elliott for five of those six races in the No. 9 car and will now replace Bowman for the next three to four weeks. Bowman released the following after the news of his injury was revealed.
Bowman missed five races during the 2022 season due to a concussion suffered at Texas Motor Speedway in the playoffs. It will mark the second straight year where the driver of the No. 48 car does not complete a full season.
Hendrick Motorsports will request a waiver for Bowman to remain eligible for the 2023 playoffs. Just like Elliott, he is expected to be granted one but nothing has been made official by NASCAR at this time.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on Bowman’s injury and recovery as NASCAR goes to Dover Motor Speedway. Sportsnaut wishes Bowman a safe and speedy recovery.