Alex Bowman is set to return to the #48 car this weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway after being sidelined for a month due to a compression fracture. Bowman had suffered the injury when he collided with another vehicle and rolled multiple times in a sprint car crash at 34 Raceway in Iowa. Bowman has missed three points-paying events and the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro while he was recovering from the injury. The return of Bowman is a boost for the Hendrick Motorsports team, with owner Rick Hendrick stating that he looks forward to Bowman having a championship-caliber season. Bowman is still 17th in points, just five points outside the playoffs. Josh Berry, who previously subbed for an injured Chase Elliott earlier this year, drove the #48 car in Bowman’s absence with finishes of 10th, 25th, and 30th.
NASCAR Updates Chassis After Larson/Preece Crash
Following an investigation into the Talladega crash involving Kyle Larson and Ryan Preece, NASCAR has made two updates to the chassis to improve safety. After spinning, Larson’s car shot back up the track into the path of Preece, who made direct contact with the passenger-side door of the car. The violent impact caused significant damage to the side of Larson’s car, and a door bar inside the cockpit could be seen pushed upwards and twisted after the crash. Both Larson and Preece were uninjured in the crash, but Preece stated that it was one of the hardest hits he had taken in his racing career.
In response to the crash, NASCAR has made changes to the right side door bar gussets, and the front clip V-brace must be removed from the assembly. These updates are effective immediately. NASCAR has also made it clear that further updates are being considered, and the sanctioning body will be performing two days of crash tests at a facility in Ohio this week. These changes are crucial to ensure driver safety and prevent future accidents during NASCAR races.
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