Alex Bowman to miss 3-4 races, Berry to be No. 48 substitute driver

Image from Alex Bowman on Twitter

    Alex Bowman, driver of the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 will be sidelined for 'three or four' races due to a sprint car accident, the driver made public Wednesday (April 26, 2023). Bowman walked away from what was a horrific crash and was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, where it was discovered that he suffered from a compression fracture in one vertebra.

NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Josh Berry will fill in with the No. 48 car for the weeks that Bowman will be recovering. Hendrick Motorsports had recruited Berry to drive the No. 9 car for five races earlier this season, after Chase Elliott was injured due to a snowboarding accident. The 32-year-old, who races full time in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports (a Hendrick Motorsports affiliate team), got the No. 9 team a second-place finish at Richmond Raceway earlier this month.

Bowman released a brief statement on Twitter yesterday, saying, "Last night I was involved in an on-track while racing, and fractured a vertebrae. First, I want to let everyone know I'm feeling okay. My focus is now on healing and resting... I'm thankful to Josh Berry and Hendrick Motorsports for stepping up to the plate, and I know the entire Ally Racing team will give it their all [during] these next few weeks. I'll be doing everything I can at home to help the team and insure my recovery is as quick as possible, to get in the 48 car soon."

 "We're relieved that Alex is home, in good spirits and getting world-class treatment." said team owner Rick Hendrick in a prepared statement. 

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 racecar and that Blake [Harris] and the team will continue operating at a high level until Alex is ready to return. He has our full, unequivocal support."

Hendrick Motorsports says that they will be requesting a medical waiver from NASCAR, to allow Bowman to remain eligible for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.

NEWS: Injury to sideline @Alex_Bowman, @joshberry named substitute driver.https://t.co/3B29F8fXep

— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) April 26, 2023