Hendrick Motorsports announce driver health update ahead of Mexico City with replacement on standby

Alex Bowman has been medically cleared to take part in this weekend's NASCAR Cup Series race at Mexico City.

However, the team have a contingency plan for the possibility that Bowman, who wrecked hard at Michigan last weekend, doesn't feel comfortable or able to perform in the car.

READ MORE: NASCAR Qualifying Today: Mexico City start times, schedule and how to watch live on TV

Anthony Alfredo is on site as a potential replacement, already entered into Saturday’s Xfinity Series event at the same circuit, after plenty of practice as the organization’s primary simulator driver.

Bowman hit the wall head on at extremely high speed last weekend, the back end of the car lifting into the air with the force of the impact, which he later called probably the hardest wreck of his career.

READ MORE: NASCAR Cup Series star reflects on 'scary' moment as teams face travel NIGHTMARE heading to Mexico City

Bowman excited for Mexico race

Bowman, who missed four Cup Series races in 2023 after he fractured a vertebra, jarred his back heavily in that Michigan wreck but has been cleared for this weekend's taxing road circuit.

“I’m really looking forward to racing in Mexico this weekend," he said earlier in the week. "It’s always special to bring our sport to new places and feel the excitement from fans who don’t always get to see us race in person.”

Bowman's No. 48 car hasn't been performing of late as he looks to work his way back into the postseason, but he has a strong record on street and road courses – even winning around the streets of Chicago last year.

He said this week: “Our No. 48 Ally Chevy team has had speed, but we haven’t had the results to show for it lately. We’re ready to turn our luck around and put together a strong race from start to finish.”

READ MORE: NASCAR star reveals Kyle Busch advantage ahead of Mexico City race

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