The hits keep coming for Hendrick Motorsports. After having to do without 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott for several weeks, the team has now lost the services of Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Bowman, 30, suffered a compression vertebra fracture in an accident Tuesday night while competing in a sprint car event at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa. He was treated locally immediately after the incident and again Wednesday morning in Charlotte, NC.
For the moment, Bowman leads the Cup Series in average finish through the 10 points-paying races in 2023; he’s expected to be out for 3-4 weeks and will be relieved by Josh Berry, 32, who also filled in for Elliott when he recovered from extracurricular injuries. Berry competes full-time for Hendrick Motorsports affiliate JR Motorsports in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, where he has five career victories. Bowman is currently ninth in driver standings; the team will request a medical waiver to allow Bowman to remain eligible for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs later this season.
“We’re relieved Alex is home, in good spirits and getting wold-class treatment,” team owner Rick Hendrick stated. “Giving him ample time and the foremost resources to heal is our top priority. He’s having a tremendous season, and the Ho. 48 is at the top of its game. We know what Josh is capable of in the race car and that Blake (Harris, crew chief) and the team will continue operating at a high level until Alex is ready to return. He has our full, unequivocal support.”
By Anne Proffit
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