Man, Hendrick Motorsports just can’t catch a break.
They just got Chase Elliott back in the car two weeks ago after NASCAR‘s Most Popular Driver suffered a fractured tibia during a snowboarding accident in early March.
And now, another one of their drivers is sidelined for at least a month.
Alex Bowman announced today that he will be out of the #48 Ally Chevrolet for 3-4 weeks after suffering a back injury during last night’s sprint car race at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa. He will be replaced by Xfinity Series driver Josh Berry, who also filled in for Elliott while he was injured.
Bowman took a wild ride during the race that sent his sprint car tumbling, along with that of fellow competitor Connor Morrell.
Both drivers walked away from the scary crash under their own power, but Bowman was evaluated at a local hospital and again this morning back home in Charlotte, North Carolina, after which it was revealed that he had fractured a vertebra.
Bowman said in a statement:
“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 to Josh Berry and Hendrick Motorsports for stepping up to the plate and I know the 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.”
Hendrick Motorsports also released a statement on Bowman’s injury:
“We’re relieved Alex is home, in good spirits and getting world-class treatment. 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 currently sits in 9th in the Cup Series standings, with 3 top 5 finishes and 6 top 10s through 10 races so far this season.
But now, once he returns, he’ll almost certainly have to score a win to make it into the playoffs for a chance to compete for the championship.
Just a tough season for Hendrick Motorsports. Hope that Bowman gets better soon – and hope the rest of the drivers can stay healthy.
