Alex Bowman to miss three more races because of concussion

Alex Bowman will miss the next three Cup races because of a concussion he suffered in a crash Sept. 25 at Texas Motor Speedway, Hendrick Motorsports announced Wednesday.

Bowman, who has missed the past two races, will skip races at Las Vegas, Homestead and Martinsville.

Bowman was evaluated Wednesday by Dr. Michael “Micky” Collins, clinical director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program.

“We have a tremendous amount of respect for the entire staff at UPMC,” said Jeff Andrews, president and general manager of Hendrick Motorsports, in a statement. “Our priority continues to be Alex’s recovery and long-term health, and we will follow the plan that Dr. Collins and his team recommend. We’re not looking past the next three races and will evaluate plans for the season finale (at Phoenix Raceway) as the event approaches.”

Bowman posted a statement on social media that stated: “I am continuing to focus my efforts on getting my health back to 100% so that I can return racing as soon as possible.”

Noah Gragson will continued to fill in for Bowman in the No. 48 car.

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— Alex Bowman (@Alex_Bowman) October 12, 2022

The race for the NASCAR Cup Series championship rolls into Las Vegas this weekend for a 400-mile race on Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s 1.5-mile oval.

Eight drivers remain in the hunt. They are led by 2020 champion Chase Elliott, who sits atop the standings with a 20-point lead over Joey Logano entering Sunday’s race. Elliott is 31 points above the cutline.

Also in the title competition are Ross Chastain, Christopher Bell (Sunday’s winner at Charlotte), Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe.

Blaney, Byron, Hamlin and Briscoe are below the