CONCORD, N.C. — Alex Bowman will not compete in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL as he continues to recover from concussion symptoms.
Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, was evaluated by physicians Tuesday afternoon in Charlotte.
The ROVAL will mark the second straight race Bowman has missed after being injured in a Sept. 25 accident at Texas Motor Speedway.
“Alex’s health is our first priority,” said Jeff Andrews, president and general manager of Hendrick Motorsports. “We’re focused on supporting his recovery and seeing him back in his race car when the time is right. Alex has a long career ahead of him, so we will invest the necessary time and take our guidance from medical experts. We’re putting no pressure on him to return before he’s 100 percent ready.”
Noah Gragson, 24, will abe the substitute driver for Bowman for the second consecutive week. Gragson qualified seventh and finished 19th at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.
Charlotte will be Gragson’s first career road course start at the Cup Series level.
Bowman confirmed his absence on Twitter.
“With my health continuing to be my No. 1 priority, I will not return to racing this weekend at the NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. I am continuing to make strides in my recovery to make sure I can return to competition at 100 percent.”
