Alex Bowman, the 30‑year‑old driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet, has been candid about the vertigo that sidelined him for several races in the 2023 season.
The dizzy spell that changed his season
The condition first forced Bowman out of the lineup at Nashville Superspeedway, where he was replaced by Myatt Snider, and later at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas, where a sudden spin left him feeling nauseated and compelled to exit the car mid‑race.
Further setbacks came at Phoenix and Las Vegas, events he missed while dealing with a broken back sustained in a separate incident. In total, Bowman missed five Cup Series races in 2022 after a concussion and three more the following year because of lingering balance issues.
Recovery and a renewed focus
After undergoing a minor surgical procedure to address his balance problems, Bowman has been diligent with physical therapy, describing himself as “as close to 100% as I’m going to get” before the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville. He now returns to the cockpit with a clearer mind and a determination to qualify for the playoffs.
Despite a 33rd‑place finish at Nashville after a collision with Bubba Wallace, Bowman climbed to 32nd in the points standings, showing incremental progress. He has already posted two top‑five finishes this year and, with eight career wins and a sixth‑place championship finish in 2020, remains a contender for a strong playoff run.
For Bowman, managing his vertigo has become a personal victory. “It’s my biggest win,” he said, underscoring how overcoming health challenges can be as rewarding as any checkered flag.