NASCAR veteran Michael McDowell is gearing up to hit a notable milestone: his 500th start in the NASCAR Cup Series at Martinsville Speedway. McDowell’s journey began in 2008 at the same track, driving for Michael Waltrip Racing, where he started 34th and finished 26th, battling through a late flat tire.
Since then, McDowell has faced and triumphed over many obstacles, including a shocking crash during the 2008 Samsung 500 qualifying at Texas Motor Speedway, miraculously walking away unharmed. His career is characterized by a steady rise marked by reliability and consistent performances. A career highlight came in 2021 when he clinched victory at the prestigious Daytona 500, with another notable moment in 2017, finishing 4th at the Coke Zero 400.
Currently, McDowell competes in the No. 34 Ford Mustang for Front Row Motorsports, a collaboration that has proven fruitful across six seasons. For the upcoming race, sponsored by Benebone, McDowell will drive a car that previously brought him a solid 7th place finish at Watkins Glen International. In his own words, McDowell expressed:
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“Reaching my 500th start is a significant milestone, especially coming full circle back to Martinsville where it all began. I’m grateful to all who have supported me—team owners, sponsors, and fans alike.” He added, “It’s fantastic to have Benebone back on the car; we’ve had great runs with them this season, and we aim to keep that momentum going at Martinsville.”
With this achievement, McDowell joins an elite group as the 47th driver in NASCAR history to reach 500 starts, sharing this honor with prominent drivers like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin.
Crew Chief Travis Peterson shared his thoughts on the occasion, stating, “Michael’s longevity in this sport is incredible, and it’s an honor to support him for this milestone. The whole team is thrilled to be part of it!”
The Xfinity 500 race is set to kick off on Sunday, November 3, at 2:00 PM ET. Don’t miss it!