Hendrick Motorsports has named 2024 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion Justin Allgaier as the driver of the #48 Chevrolet for this weekend’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Bowman Sidelined with Vertigo
The driver change comes as Alex Bowman continues to recover from vertigo. Bowman was forced to leave the race at COTA mid-event, with Myatt Snider completing the race in his place. He was later diagnosed with the condition. HMS sim driver Anthony Alfredo drove the #48 at Phoenix, finishing 33rd after a crash on a restart.
According to Hendrick Motorsports General Manager Jeff Andrews, “Alex continues to operate closely with doctors toward being medically cleared, but he’s still experiencing some lingering symptoms. He’s put a lot into the recovery process, and we will continue to support him every step of the way. Our priority remains making sure Alex is fully ready before returning to the race car.”
Allgaier’s Cup Series Experience
Allgaier has 84 prior Cup Series starts between 2013 and 2026, including a recent appearance in the Daytona 500 with JR Motorsports where he crashed while leading. He has achieved two top-ten finishes in his Cup career, with an eighth-place result as his best. He previously filled in for Hendrick Motorsports in 2024, finishing 13th in the Coca-Cola 600 while Kyle Larson competed in the Indianapolis 500.
While Allgaier hasn’t raced a Cup car at the 1.5-mile Las Vegas track since 2015, he did win the O’Reilly race at the track last year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Alex Bowman to miss the race at COTA?
Alex Bowman was forced out of the car mid-race at COTA due to symptoms of vertigo, and was later diagnosed with the condition.
Who will drive the #48 Chevrolet at Las Vegas Motor Speedway?
Justin Allgaier, the 2024 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, will drive the #48 Chevrolet at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Has Justin Allgaier driven for Hendrick Motorsports before?
Yes, Allgaier filled in for Hendrick Motorsports in 2024, finishing 13th in the Coca-Cola 600 while Kyle Larson competed in the Indianapolis 500.
How will the change in drivers impact Hendrick Motorsports’ performance this weekend?
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