Following a wicked crash in the High Limit Racing winged sprint car event on Tuesday evening at 34 Raceway, Alex Bowman will miss the next three-to-four weeks of NASCAR Cup Series competition, according to a press release from Hendrick Motorsports.
Bowman suffered a compression fracture to his vertebra in the spectacular accident with Conner Merrill in West Burlington, Iowa.
The driver, who celebrated his 30th birthday on Tuesday, was treated at a local hospital on Tuesday night and was re-evaluated again on Wednesday morning in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Josh Berry, who filled in for Chase Elliott in five races earlier this season, has been named as the fill-in driver for Bowman as the driver recovers from the injury sustained on Tuesday night.
“We’re relieved Alex is home, in good spirits and getting world-class treatment,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “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 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.”
Bowman issued a statement as well following the news of his injury, in the statement Bowman said, “Last night I was involved in an on-track incident while racing and fractured a vertebra.
“First, I want to let everyone know I’m feeling ok. My focus is now on healing and resting. Being out of the car is never an update any driver wants to make. I’m thankful for Josh Berry and Hendrick Motorsports for stepping up to the plate and I know the entire Ally Racing team will give it their all these next few weeks.
“I’ll be doing everything I can at home to help the team and ensure my recovery is as quick as possible to get back in the 48 car soon.”
Prior to the injury, Bowman had been enjoying a great start to his 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season as he had recorded three top-five finishes and six top-10s through the opening 10 races. And despite a 60-point penalty following Richmond Raceway, Bowman still ranks ninth in the NASCAR Cup Series championship standings.
