“It’s Been Tough!” Alex Bowman Set to Make Cup Return After NASCAR Medical Clearance

Hendrick Motorsports has confirmed that Alex Bowman is medically cleared to race again and will mark his return next week.

“It’s Been Tough!” Alex Bowman Set to Make Cup Return After NASCAR Medical Clearance

Alex Bowman (Via IMAGO)

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season so far hasn’t been kind to Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman. After a tough start to the year, he had to sat out of four races due to vertigo. He hasn’t raced since he retired mid-race at CPTA owing to sickness. Anthony Alfredo and Justin Allgaier replaced him in the No:48 car for the events.

Now in a press release, Hendrick Motorsports has confirmed that Alex Bowman is set to make racing return after taking rest for more than a month. He will drive the No:48 Chevy next Sunday at Bristol and in his statement, shared his excitement about the comeback. NASCAR gave the veteran driver the medical clearance only after running test laps at Ten Tenths Motor Club Road course, as well as pit stop practice and sim-sessions on Wednesday.  

I’m grateful for the support I’ve had from Hendrick Motorsports, my sponsor Ally, our fans and the medical team throughout this process.

Alex Bowman said about his return.

Talking about missing multiple races, something that happened to his two years ago following a sprint crash injury, Alex Bowman admitted that it been tough for him sit out of the car. He asserted that he is 100% ready and excited about the comeback. Making his return at Bristol, one of the most crash-prone tracks in the schedule will be challenging.

It’s been tough being out of the car, but we all wanted to make sure I was 100% ready before returning. I feel really good, and I’m excited about being at the track with my team and getting back to racing.

Alex Bowman added via an HMS Press Release.

Hendrick Motorsports is proud of Alex Bowman

In the same press-release Jeff Andrews, the president and general manager of Hendrick Motorsports, talked about the racer and his recover. He highlighted that HMS is proud of the racer and how much hard work he has put in to comeback 100% fit.

Alex Bowman
Alex Bowman (Via @TooToughToTame/X)

We’re proud of Alex and the way he’s handled this situation. He’s put a lot of work into his recovery and followed the medical team’s plan every step of the way.

Jeff Andrews said.

Further talking about the point, the veteran team official pointed out that the primary concern of HMS through out the recovery was Bowman’s health and that’s why they took the testing slow. He is looking forward seeing the driver perform on the high level yet again.

From the outset, our goal was to prioritize his health and have him return when he was fully recovered and medically cleared. We’re looking forward to seeing Alex back in his race car this weekend.

Jeff Andrews added.

The return wont be easy for the driver as at the moment the No:48 HMS team is in shambles.  In the four races without Bowman, their best finish was the P22 at Martinsville. Both the team and drivers don’t have momentum on their side, hence have to work extra hard to make a comeback.

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