NASCAR star Alex Bowman races for shelter pets

When NASCAR driver Alex Bowman pulls into the driveway after a long day at the track, the welcome committee is always the same and always enthusiastic.

“I’ve got three dogs — Huck, Finn and Merle — and they pretty much run the house,” Alex says. “No matter what kind of day I’ve had, they’re just happy to see me. It’s a nice reminder of what really matters.”

That unconditional love is at the heart of Alex’s and Ally Racing’s longtime partnership with Best Friends Animal Society — collaboration that’s approaching an incredible milestone: $1 million raised to help homeless pets.

Alex, the driver of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro for Hendrick Motorsports, has never been shy about using his platform to help animals. Inspired by his own rescued dogs, including Finn, Roscoe (who has since passed), and now Huck, Alex saw an opportunity to turn racing success into lifesaving impact.

“Seeing how much love Huck and Finn have to give really opened my eyes to how important adoption is,” he says. “Every rescue deserves that same second chance.”

Since 2021, Ally Racing and Alex have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the animals through Best Friends and our network partners across the country. Previous years have included donations that are split between Best Friends and a local shelter or rescue partner, as well as a bonus when Alex wins.

Fans watching the No. 48 car may notice something special beyond the speed. The Ally Chevrolet Camaro is decked out in a Best Friends co-branded paint scheme at least once a year, spreading the message of pet adoption to millions of NASCAR fans nationwide as part of Best Friends’ Bring Zoomies Home campaign.

“NASCAR fans are loyal, and a lot of them have rescue pets too,” Alex says. “They see our car helping shelters each week and really connect with that.”

[Racing to save dogs and cats in shelters]

Each race also brings hands-on support. Ally Racing works with shelters in every market on the NASCAR circuit, providing social media support and opportunities to spotlight adoptable pets in addition to the monetary donations. For Alex, those shelter visits are especially meaningful.

“Partnering with the different shelters in every market we go into is special,” he says. “Getting to visit some of those shelters is eye-opening for me. It’s awesome to be able to meet the workers and volunteers, see the facilities, and of course meet the animals. It’s hard not to bring another animal home every time we visit.”

While Alex has been involved in many initiatives throughout his racing career, this one stands apart.

“This one’s personal,” he says. “Ally and Best Friends share the same passion I do for helping animals, and together we’ve been able to make a difference.”

That shared commitment has led to creative ways to support the mission, from auctioning off autographed racing gear to hosting special events at races, promoting adoptable pets in person, and creating fun, engaging social content that reaches fans far beyond the track.

[Utah Jazz join Best Friends to score homes for pets]

And when Alex isn’t racing, his dogs help him keep things in perspective.

“When I’m home, I’m usually hanging out with Huck and Finn in the yard or taking them for a ride,” he says. “They help me slow down and reset away from the track.”

As the partnership nears the $1 million milestone, Alex is proud of what they’ve accomplished but also focused on what’s still to come.

“It’s awesome to see how far this partnership has come,” he says. “Raising a million dollars for animals is a huge win for the rescue community. There is still work to be done for shelters across the country, and I look forward to continue supporting that mission of helping animals find their way home.”

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.