ALEX BOWMAN TAKES SECOND AT GATEWAY FOLLOWING DOG'S DEATH

Alex Bowman finished second in the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Gateway, Illinois, behind Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson, in NASCAR's Chase on Sunday. The result came a day after Bowman announced on Instagram that his dog Finn, a black Labrador, had died. He described Finn as "the best" and said in the post that he had lost "my best friend". Speaking after the race, Bowman said it had been "really difficult" watching Finn suffer at the end, and that he was proud of his team and of Larson's win.

Finn had been part of Bowman's life for ten and a half years. Bowman said in May that Finn had been diagnosed with cancer that had spread rapidly, leaving the dog with limited time. Finn had become a familiar figure around NASCAR and previously appeared on Bowman's car livery during a Nationwide sponsorship promoting pet insurance. Bowman started the race eleventh and worked his way forward as other drivers were affected by crashes, cautions and mechanical problems through the afternoon. He became a contender for the win during the final stage, ultimately finishing behind Larson.

Bowman said in his post-race interview that it had "been a while" since Larson last won, and called the result a good day for the Hendrick Motorsports team. He credited the "Ally 48" crew and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports, saying he was proud of them and of Larson. Bowman made no further public comment on Finn's death beyond his Instagram post and his remarks after the race. The Enjoy Illinois 300 formed part of NASCAR's Chase, in which Bowman and Larson are competing this season.