Another Hendrick Motorsports driver is set to miss extended time this season with an injury.
Alex Bowman was injured during a sprint car event in Iowa on Tuesday, and will be forced to miss between three and four weeks with his injury, according to a Hendrick Motorsports release.
Bowman and Conner Morrell were in a major collision during the West Burlington, Iowa, race at 34 Raceway. Both were able to get out of their cars under their own power.
🚨 @Alex_Bowman and Conner Morrell go for big rides at @34Raceway! Both drivers out of their cars under their own power @HighLimitRacing pic.twitter.com/avR7J4nbfI
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) April 26, 2023
"We're relieved Alex is home, in good spirits and getting world-class treatment," Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said in the release. "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."
The absence of Bowman could be a major blow to Hendrick Motorsports this season. He ranks ninth in season points with 270 and is second among all drivers with six top 10 finishes. He's also tied for the fourth-most top five finishes with three. Bowman has not won a race this season.
This is the second time a major Hendrick Motorsports driver has missed time this season. Chase Elliott suffered a leg injury during a snowboarding accident in Colorado in early March. He returned from the injury on April 16 to race at the Martinsville Speedway.
Here's what you need to know about Bowman's injury.
Alex Bowman injury update
In Hendrick Motorsports' release, it was revealed that Bowman suffered a compression fracture, which is described by the Cleveland Clinic as "small breaks or cracks in the vertebrae."
The Cleveland Clinic said treatment for compression fractures is largely just focused on relieving pain, and that treatments include pain relief medication, braces, medications to strengthen bones and either vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty (minimally invasive procedures).
The release said Bowman received initial treatment in Iowa Tuesday night before returning for evaluation in Charlotte on Wednesday morning.
"I want to let everyone know I'm feeling OK. My focus is now on healing and resting. Being out of the car is never an update any driver wants to make," Bowman said in a statement. "I'll be doing everything I can at home to help the team and ensure my recovery is as quick as possible to get back in the 48 car soon."
While Bowman will miss three to four weeks with the injury, Hendrick Motorsports said it will request a medical waiver to allow Bowman to remain eligible to compete in the 2023 playoffs.
Who will replace Alex Bowman?
Hendrick Motorsports announced in its release Josh Berry will replace Bowman on the Cup Series.
This will be the second time Berry has filled in for a Hendrick driver this year. When Elliott missed time, Berry was his replacement. During that time, he finished second at Richmond Raceway and twice placed in the top 10 during his five races.
Berry is a full-time Xfinity Series driver who has won five races at the level in his career.
"We know what Josh is capable of in the race car and that [crew chief Blake Harris] and the team will continue operating at a high level until Alex is ready to return," Hendrick said in the release. "He has our full, unequivocal support."
