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Phoenix, AZ – As the NASCAR Cup Series descends upon Phoenix Raceway for its highly anticipated showdown, the focus for the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team shifts. With regular driver Alex Bowman sidelined due to a bout of vertigo, the reins have been handed to simulator and Chevrolet development driver, Anthony Alfredo. Speaking ahead of the weekend’s events, Alfredo emphasized that his primary objective is to support the No. 48 team, rather than viewing this fill-in role as a personal audition for a future seat.
"I try not to because I don’t think it works out for people when they put that kind of pressure on themselves," Alfredo stated during a press conference on Friday at Phoenix. "This isn’t an audition. It’s about filling in and doing a good job for this team."
Bowman was forced to step out of his car mid-race at Circuit of the Americas last week, subsequently being diagnosed with vertigo. This situation led to Alfredo receiving the urgent call to pilot the No. 48 Chevrolet. Alfredo, who also competes full-time in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for Viking Motorsports, brings a unique perspective to the Cup Series circuit, leveraging his crucial behind-the-scenes work in Chevrolet’s simulator program. This role involves extensive data analysis and development work, aiming to improve the performance of Chevrolet’s NASCAR Cup Series entries.
Despite the undeniable opportunity to compete in one of the most competitive environments in motorsports, driving for a powerhouse organization like Hendrick Motorsports, Alfredo’s mindset is firmly rooted in team contribution. "I’m focused on executing well for them and if something of it comes down the road, that’s awesome, but most importantly, I have a job to do and I’m focused on them," he explained. "This is a cool opportunity, and not a lot of people get it, so I do want to make the most of it but this is just about executing for them this weekend."
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When questioned about the potential for this substitute appearance to pave the way for future opportunities within the Hendrick Motorsports organization, Alfredo remained grounded, reiterating his focus on his current commitments. "I have no expectations of anything like that," Alfredo said. "This is a one-race opportunity and I’m focused on this one race. We’ll see where it leads but I have a full-time opportunity in the O’Reilly Series that I’m focused on this afternoon and tomorrow so I’m just going one race at a time."
The situation presents a bittersweet scenario for Alfredo. While he acknowledges the significance of the chance to compete at the highest level, he is acutely aware of the circumstances that have created this opening. "It’s hard for me to be excited because it’s hard for me to imagine what he is feeling," Alfredo shared, referring to Bowman. "A lot of people are asking me how excited I am and I’m not excited to have to fill in for someone who isn’t in their own car this week."
However, he recognizes the underlying value of the experience. "But it is a huge opportunity for me to do a good job and turn some heads but I don’t feel like I have to prove anything to anybody. I don’t think they would have picked me if they didn’t think I could do it. It’s not about that. It’s about doing what is asked of me and doing a good job of filling in."
Alfredo’s previous full-time Cup Series experience came in 2021 with Front Row Motorsports, driving the previous generation of Cup car. He has since accumulated seven starts in the current NextGen car, primarily on superspeedways, with teams like Live Fast Motorsports and Beard Motorsports. This weekend’s race at Phoenix marks a return to a more traditional oval track experience for him in the Cup Series.
From a practical standpoint, Alfredo’s physical stature is similar to Bowman’s, allowing him to comfortably utilize Bowman’s firesuit for the weekend. His extensive time in Chevrolet’s simulator has provided him with a deep understanding of the cars’ nuances, although he concedes that certain real-world elements, such as in-car switches and fan controls, are not replicated in the simulation environment. "All the laps I’ve run actually make me confident of where I need to be behind the wheel but racing is totally different," Alfredo noted. "The ambient temperature changing and rubber being laid down, those things are different, but those are comparable to all the races I’ve run here in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, so I have a pretty good basis of what to expect as far as that goes."
His preparation, he stated, has been ongoing, a natural extension of his role at Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet. "I didn’t have to mentally prepare because my job at Hendrick and Chevrolet is to always be prepared," he said. The past week has involved diligent work on the specific assignments provided by the No. 48 team. While he doesn’t anticipate significant nervousness, he anticipates a degree of anticipation on Sunday, largely due to the thorough preparation provided by Hendrick Motorsports.
"It’s going to be interesting to see how the sim correlates because now I am excited to get back to the sim on Monday and make it better for next time," Alfredo remarked. He underscored the competitive nature of the current NASCAR Cup Series season, emphasizing that no race can be disregarded, particularly for a team that has faced a challenging start to the year. "So I just want to help them out and build a notebook."
The No. 48 team, a storied entry in NASCAR history, has seen significant success with Alex Bowman at the helm in recent seasons, including multiple wins. However, the team’s performance in the early stages of the current season has been inconsistent, making Bowman’s absence and Alfredo’s fill-in role even more critical for accumulating valuable data and points. Hendrick Motorsports, as a whole, is a dominant force in the Cup Series, boasting a lineup of championship-caliber drivers and highly competitive equipment. The team’s depth in personnel and resources means that even with a substitute driver, the No. 48 Chevrolet is expected to be well-prepared and competitive.
Phoenix Raceway, a 1-mile oval, is known for its challenging and abrasive surface, demanding precise car control and strategic tire management. The track’s unique layout, with its distinct turns, often leads to close racing and opportunities for drivers to showcase their skills. For Alfredo, navigating this demanding circuit in an unfamiliar car, albeit one he has simulated extensively, presents a significant test. His ability to adapt quickly to the race conditions, manage the car throughout the race distance, and execute the team’s strategy will be crucial for a successful outing.
The team’s objective at Phoenix will likely be to maximize their finish, aiming for a solid points haul and valuable data for future races. While a victory might be an ambitious target, a strong top-10 or top-15 finish would be considered a success under these circumstances. Alfredo’s performance will be closely scrutinized, not only by the Hendrick Motorsports organization but also by the wider NASCAR community, as he seeks to make a positive impression while fulfilling his role as a team player. The ultimate goal remains to support the No. 48 team in their quest for a strong season, even in the absence of their regular driver.
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