Alex Bowman has revealed a difficult health situation following a severe crash at Michigan International Speedway last week, as he prepares for the upcoming Viva Mexico 250 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The Hendrick Motorsports driver sustained significant soreness after a high-impact collision that hit 50 Gs, raising concerns about his condition ahead of the first points-paying NASCAR race outside the U.S. since 1958.
Bowman Faces Physical Challenges Yet Pushes Forward
The Arizona native has endured multiple injuries throughout his racing career, including missing several races in 2022 due to a concussion suffered at Texas Motor Speedway and sustaining a broken back in a sprint car crash during the High Limit Racing series in 2023. Rick Hendrick subsequently restricted his participation in non-NASCAR events following that serious injury. Although Bowman did not break any bones in the Michigan crash, he emphasized the intensity of the pain this time as being far worse. He described it as
“the hardest hit of my career,”
after impacting the outside wall at approximately 150 mph, which tested the safety features of the track’s barriers.
Speaking to FOX’s Bob Pockrass about his condition ahead of the Mexico City race, Bowman admitted,
“It hasn’t been a fun week at all. Wednesday was probably the worst day, but we’re here and ready to go… It’s all in the right side of my lower back and then through my right leg. Everything is really tight. It’s all muscular.”
He qualified 29th for the event but admitted the ongoing pain, saying,
“Definitely a lot of pain though. The goal is to get all the laps in and go from there.”
Currently 13th in the overall NASCAR Cup Series standings, Bowman remains winless this season and has struggled with poor finishes in recent races, placing 27th or worse seven times in the last nine events. Despite his physical setbacks, he is determined to compete in the 100-lap road course race spanning 2.42 miles, though it presents additional challenges especially given his injury. Bowman acknowledged,
“I think going to a road course right after probably makes it tougher than an oval would.”
He highlighted the physical toll of driving the Next-Gen car over the curbs, adding,
“I think jumping over the curbs as much as we do and as harsh as the Next-Gen rides is the biggest challenge for me. Honestly, making laps doesn’t really hurt, just sitting in that position hurts quite a bit.”
The car’s sensitivity to vibrations from rough surfaces intensifies the discomfort, making the race at an unfamiliar track even more demanding.
Sudden Impact at Michigan Intensifies Concerns
Bowman’s crash at Michigan was startling due to the violent nature of the impact. During Stage 2, his car went head-on into the outside wall at Turn 2, with such force that the rear wheels lifted off the asphalt briefly. The severity evoked memories of Dale Earnhardt’s fatal 2001 Daytona 500 collision, though Bowman’s crash was cushioned by SAFER barriers that significantly reduced potential injury. Still, the force left him noticeably sore.
Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman and former NASCAR champion, provided insight into Bowman’s condition during a SiriusXM Radio appearance, stating,
“That was a huge impact, and I was happy to see [Alex Bowman] let the window net down. I heard him on the radio when he said he was OK, and to see him get out of that car, we know that Alex has had an injury with his back before. Of course, you worry about that happening again. He certainly was extremely sore afterwards and the next day, but right now, we are confident he will be in the car this weekend.”
The team remains cautious by keeping Anthony Alfredo on standby in case Bowman’s condition deteriorates before or during the Viva Mexico 250. Nevertheless, Bowman’s determination to race despite his discomfort underscores his drive to overcome recent struggles and stave off a continued competitive slump.
Struggling Performances and High Stakes Ahead of Mexico City
After a promising start to the season, Bowman’s recent results have significantly declined, heightening pressure as the season moves into its second half. Without a win this year and several low finishes, securing a playoff spot is becoming more difficult. The Viva Mexico 250, a hallmark event as the first points race outside the U.S. in decades, represents a critical opportunity for Bowman to prove his resilience and skill.
His previous success on challenging courses, including last season’s victory at the Chicago Street Race under tough circumstances, offers some hope that he may turn his fortunes around in Mexico City. However, limited practice laps due to rain and soreness add to the uphill battle.
Bowman reflected on recent difficulties, stating,
“It’s been a pretty miserable two months, and just trying to kind of get things turned back around and pointed in the right direction.”
The coming race will test his physical endurance and mental toughness as he navigates a demanding road course while managing his injuries.
The outcome at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will be closely watched by NASCAR fans and analysts alike, as Bowman’s ability to compete effectively could have significant implications for his championship ambitions and ongoing career with Hendrick Motorsports.