NASCAR
is the most popular motor sport category in the United States.
And in its main division, the Cup Series, Alex Bowman
stands out
, one of the most dizzying drivers in the category.
This week, the native of Tucson, Arizona, suffered a very serious accident while running in a high-speed event.
Bowman, who drives the No. 48
Chevrolet
for the Hendrick Motorsports team in Nascar, this week participated in a sprint car race (
Midget
) at the famous track 34 Raceway, located in West Burlington, Iowa.
These Midget cars imply a huge risk for those who dare to accelerate them fully: they do not have a braking system or gearbox, the cabin is open and the chassis is light.
They weigh around 640 kilos and have 900 horsepower engines, so if they suffer an impact the pilot is very exposed to serious injuries.
A prototype of the "midget" cars: they weigh light and run strong.
That's what happened to Bowman, who was struck from behind by an opponent and went airborne, bounced and flipped several times off the track.
After the accident, the pilot was rushed to a hospital, where it was found that he had suffered a fractured vertebra.
Alex Bowman's red car, moments before being hit from behind and flying through the air.
Photo: Capture.
The next day, Bowman expressed himself in his networks: "Last night I was involved in an incident and I fractured a vertebra. I want to tell everyone that I feel good. My goal now is to heal and rest. Being out of the car is a novelty that no one driver wants to count", wrote the driver, who will miss no less than 3 or 4 NASCAR races, a competition that will miss his presence in the coming weeks.
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A post shared by Alex Bowman (@alex_bowman)
“We are relieved that Alex is home, in good spirits and receiving top-notch treatment.
Giving him enough time and the main resources to heal is our top priority.
He's having a terrific season, and the No. 48 is on top of his game.
We know what Josh is capable of in the car and that Blake (Harris, Crew Principal) and the team will continue to operate at a high level until Alex is ready to return.
He has our full and unequivocal support,” explained Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports.
Replacing Bowman this weekend will be Josh Berry, who competes for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
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