Alex Bowman Medically Cleared to Return in Phoenix

by
Noah Lewis
October 28, 2022

Photo Credit to Noah Lewis/TSJ101Sports.com

Alex Bowman Will Return to the No. 48 Car at Phoenix Raceway

CONCORD, N.C. – Hendrick Motorsports has announced that Alex Bowman has been medically cleared to return to racing competition in his No. 48 car for the NASCAR Cup Series season finale at Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 6.

The 29-year-old Arizona native will have missed five Cup Series events after suffering a concussion, including this weekend’s race at Martinsville Speedway. Bowman received a full medical evaluation on Thursday from Dr. Michael “Micky” Collins, clinical director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program, and was cleared to return.

“We’re thrilled Alex is 100% and will have the opportunity to race at his home track,” said Jeff Andrews, president and general manager of Hendrick Motorsports. “Throughout this process, he’s been incredibly diligent about following the advice of his doctors and prioritizing his health. All of us look forward to welcoming Alex back and seeing him finish 2022 with his No. 48 teammates.”

Returning in Phoenix will have further significance for Bowman and the No. 48 team as crew chief Greg Ives will step down from his role after the checkered flag drops. Ives has worked with Bowman since his substitution for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in 2016 and eventually full-time as Bowman took over that car the following year. The pairing has found victory lane together seven times.

“Greg and I started something there (Phoenix Raceway) in 2016 that we never got to finish,” Alex Bowman said in a twitter video. “Hopefully we can get the job done. To have one final race with Greg is going to be really special. Thank you to Ally, Hendrick Motorsports, and all the doctors that have helped me. It’s been a long road and a lot of work but excited to be back to 100% and be able to get back in a race car…We’re going to finish the season strong and hopefully get one last win for Greg.”

Noah Gragson has filled in for Bowman during his recovery. Gragson, who will battle for a NASCAR Xfinity Series championship at Phoenix Raceway next weekend, will race in place of Bowman for the final time this weekend in Martinsville.

“Due to the timing (of the medical clearance), everyone agreed it was best to stick with our plan for Martinsville and allow the team to fully prepare for Alex’s return next weekend,” Andrews said. “On behalf of everyone at Hendrick Motorsports, we’re grateful to Noah for stepping in and doing a terrific job under difficult circumstances. He’s a big talent and has been a complete professional.”