FANS have been left in shock after a star NASCAR driver broke his SPINE.
That’s after flying through the air in a horror car crash.
Alex Bowman, 30, is a veteran of the racing world in America and drives the No.48 Chevrolet for NASCAR team Hendrick Motorsports.
He holds the record for six consecutive front-row starts at the world-famous Daytona 500.
And he has already enjoyed six top-10 finishes in 10 events this season.
But when not racing in NASCAR, Bowman also likes to compete in Dirt Midget and Sprint car races.
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The latter are classified as “high-powered, open-wheel” vehicles.
They only weigh around 640kg but boast engines of 900 horsepower, giving them incredible top speeds of 160 miles per hour.
And Bowman experienced the full force of a high-speed crash while racing in one on Tuesday evening.
The driver, who was celebrating his 30th birthday that day, took part in an event at 34 Raceway in Iowa.
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But disaster struck when Bowman’s car was clipped by an opponent from behind.
The vehicle flew off the track before launching into the air in terrifying scenes.
It then bounced and rolled multiple times in front of shocked spectators, sending debris in all directions.
Bowman was rushed to hospital by medics as fans held their breath.
And scans later showed he had suffered a fractured vertebra in his spine.
Bowman will need at least four weeks to recover from the setback.
But he swiftly sent a positive update to supporters, having previously missed five races due to concussion.
Bowman said: “First, I want to let everyone know I’m feeling ok.
“My focus is now on healing and resting. Being out of the car is never an update any driver wants to make.”
Bowman’s team Hendrick Motorsports added: “We’re relieved Alex is home, in good spirits and getting world-class treatment.
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“Giving him ample time and the foremost resources to heal is our top priority.
“He’s having a tremendous season and the No48 is at the top of its game.”
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
