Michael McDowell has won races in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, previously known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series. But he has yet to log his career-first Truck Series victory.
Thanks to Spire Motorsports, the 2021 Daytona 500 winner will have the opportunity to do so in 2026. As per the latest reports, McDowell will make a one-off appearance in the season-opening NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway with Spire’s No. 7 Tibbetts Lumber Company Chevy Silverado.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Michael McDowell said (via Frontstretch.com):
“I have a great deal of respect for the Tibbetts Lumber team. They’ve helped me on my own property and their team truly combines outstanding service with a high-quality product. It’s special to have them racing with us at Daytona, and earning a win in all three national series is something I’ve wanted to make happen for a long time.“
2025 marked McDowell’s first season driving the No. 71 for Spire Motorsports. Backed by crew chief Travis Peterson, who moved to Spire from Front Row Motorsports ahead of the 2025 season, the driver wound up 22nd in points, bagging three top fives, six top-10s, and two poles.
As reported by NASCAR.com:
“(Michael McDowell) led laps in the “Great American Race” and spring event at Talladega, but just missed the top 10 by finishing 11th in both races. McDowell continued to be one of the most consistent drivers in the series, with just two DNFs, both due to crashes.”
Michael McDowell is all set for the Fresh From Florida 250, which will be held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway on February 13. Fans can watch the race live on FOX Sports 1 (starting from 7:30 pm ET), with exclusive radio updates only on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Michael McDowell Opens Up on Retirement From Formal NASCAR Racing
Michael McDowell turned 41 last month, and given that most NASCAR drivers retire in their late 40s, there have been talks about the Phoenix, Arizona, native giving up the full-timer tag.
The driver himself addressed the same during a media availability at Phoenix Raceway in November 2025.
“Well, do I see that in the future?” said Michael McDowell. “Not in the near future. For me, I have been doing this a long time, but for those who have followed the sport, they know my first 10 years were a struggle, where I was not in a competitive environment or enjoying myself. I was just trying to stay in the sport and stay in a seat long enough to get to where I am now.”
McDowell made his first Cup Series start in 2008 with Michael Waltrip Racing. However, he did make a handful of starts in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series (now known as the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) just the year before.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
