Alex Bowman has been cleared to return to the No. 48 Chevrolet next weekend at Phoenix Raceway, Hendrick Motorsports announced on Friday.
Bowman, 29, sustained a concussion in a crash on Sept. 25 at Texas Motor Speedway. He has missed the past four races and will sit out a fifth on Sunday at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia.
The Tucson-born Bowman was evaluated Thursday by Dr. Micky Collins, clinical director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program. Collins cleared Bowman to return to racing.
“We’re thrilled Alex is 100 percent and will have the opportunity to race at his home track,” Jeff Andrews, president and general manager of Hendrick Motorsports, said in a statement. “Throughout this process, he’s been incredibly diligent about following the advice of his doctors and prioritizing his health. All of us look forward to welcoming Alex back and seeing him finish 2022 with his No. 48 teammates.”
Bowman, who was knocked out of playoff consideration by the crash, is eager to get back on the track.
“It’s been a long road and a lot of work but excited to be back to 100 percent and be able to get back in a racecar,” Bowman said in a video posted to Twitter.
Bowman is a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series winner. His most recent victory came in March at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Noah Gragson will drive in the No. 48 car on Sunday for the fifth straight race.