CONCORD, N.C. — Alex Bowman will return to the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the Nov. 6 NASCAR Cup Series season finale at Phoenix Raceway after being medically cleared to compete.
Bowman, 29, suffered a concussion Sept. 25 in a crash at Texas Motor Speedway. The Tucson, Arizona, native was cleared Thursday following a full evaluation by Dr. Michael Collins, clinical director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program.
“We’re thrilled Alex is 100% and will have the opportunity to race at his home track,” said Jeff Andrews, president and general manager of Hendrick Motorsports. “Throughout this process, he’s been incredibly diligent about following the advice of his doctors and prioritizing his health. All of us look forward to welcoming Alex back and seeing him finish 2022 with his No. 48 teammates.”
Bowman posted a video on social media Friday morning, announcing his return.
See you in Phoenix! pic.twitter.com/OSKg1AweST
— Alex Bowman (@Alex_Bowman) October 28, 2022
“Really excited to tell you that I’m coming back for the last race at Phoenix.”
Noah Gragson has filled in for Bowman for the last four Cup Series races and will drive the No. 48 Chevrolet again this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. In the substitute role, he has posted a best finish of 11th, which came Oct. 16 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“Due to the timing (of the medical clearance), everyone agreed it was best to stick with our plan for Martinsville and allow the team to fully prepare for Alex’s return next weekend,” Andrews said. “On behalf of everyone at Hendrick Motorsports, we’re grateful to Noah for stepping in and doing a terrific job under difficult circumstances. He’s a big talent and has been a complete professional.”
Prior to his concussion, Bowman had scored a victory at Las Vegas in March, and notched 12 top-tens.