NASCAR
Michael McDowell Signs Multi-Year Agreement to Take Over Spire No. 71 Chevrolet
MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Spire Motorsports has agreed to a multi-year contract with two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Michael McDowell. The 2021 Daytona 500 Champion will drive the team’s No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series starting in 2025.
McDowell, 39, from Glendale, Ariz., currently has 477 NCS starts with two race wins. He made his Cup debut in 2008. He’s since earned two poles, nine top-fives and 40 top-10s at NASCAR’s premier level.
He will be teammates with veteran Corey LaJoie and 2024 Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Carson Hocevar.
“This is a new chapter for my family and me, and we’re incredibly thankful for the opportunity that’s in front of us,” said McDowell. “It’s going to take some hard work, but I feel like everything is in place for us to be successful as a race team — to win races and contend for championships. People are the greatest asset to any organization, and with Spire’s vision, ambition, knowledge, and dedication, we will achieve great things. Failure is not an option, and that’s the mindset that it will take to achieve our goals.”
The father of five comes to Spire Motorsports from Front Row Motorsports. Over the last seven years, McDowell has become FRM’s all-time leader in wins, starts, and top-fives. In addition to his 2021 Daytona 500 win, McDowell also won last summer on the Indianapolis Road Course. Both of these wins locked McDowell and FRM into two of the last three Playoffs.
FRM owner Bob Jenkins had the following to say about seeing his team’s anchor driver leave. “We thank Michael for all he has done during his time as a driver at Front Row Motorsports. His 2021 Daytona 500 victory, a dominant win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and two appearances in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs set a new standard for our organization. He became the leader of his team and the organization. Outside the car, he was the model for a driver we want to represent us and our partners.”
“We’re sad to see Michael leave, but wish him, Jami and his family nothing but the best as he moves on to another chapter of what is already an incredible racing career.”
McDowell also has 94 Xfinity Series starts with two poles, one win (Road America 2016), six top-fives and 20 top-10s. He’s also a four-time winner in the ARCA Menards Series.
“Michael McDowell is a proven winner and brings a NASCAR Playoff pedigree,” said Spire Motorsports president Doug Duchardt. “Michael has always been committed to elevate his teams. His experience and enthusiasm are a perfect fit for Spire Motorsports, and we are sure he will be a great teammate to both Corey LaJoie and Carson Hocevar. We’re thrilled to keep up the positive momentum by adding someone as accomplished as Michael to our driver lineup. ”
“Our 2024 plan for the No. 71 team remains unchanged. Spire Motorsports fully supports Zane Smith and Stephan Doran. We remain committed to the success of our collaboration with Trackhouse. That team is just beginning to realize its potential. We’re looking forward to seeing how the Rookie of the Year battle plays out between Zane and Carson.”
Outside the stock car world, McDowell is an accomplished road racer with wins and championships across karting, Formula Renault, Star Mazda and IMSA. He is a two-time International Karting Federation Champion with 18-straight World Karting Association wins.
McDowell took Formula Renault USA Championship honors in 2002 and won the Star Mazda Series championship two years later. He boasts a 2005 IMSA win in Mexico City and was ARCA Rookie of the Year in 2007.
Spire Motorsports made their first start in 2018 and have since competed in 324 Cup Series races. The Chevrolet team has one win, six top fives and 12 top-10s. Zane Smith’s future plans past 2024 are yet to be announced.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Spire Motorsports
