McDowell Eyes Victory in Chicago as NASCAR’s Road Course Season Progresses
Chicago, IL – Michael McDowell is poised for a strong performance in the NASCAR Cup Series as he competes on the streets of Chicago this Sunday, viewing it as one of his best opportunities for victory. With a notable background in road and street racing, McDowell’s prospects have been bolstered by NASCAR’s increasing emphasis on diverse course layouts.
McDowell, who secured his last series win at the Indianapolis Road Course two years ago, is motivated by the potential to clinch a postseason spot with a victory at the third annual Chicago event. "I feel the pressure… I know what I was hired to do," said McDowell after qualifying second, narrowly behind Shane van Gisbergen.
This season, McDowell has demonstrated competitive capabilities on similar tracks, finishing 11th at the Circuit of The Americas and achieving a fifth-place result in Mexico City, where he consistently maintained a top-10 running position. “Mexico City was a bright spot for us," he reflected, noting his consistent pace throughout the race.
As the Cup Series shifts gears to another road course at Sonoma Raceway next week, anticipation builds. McDowell is presently ranked 22nd in the championship standings, aware that the season’s window for securing wins is narrowing. “A win gets you in the playoffs… These opportunities are becoming less and less,” he remarked, emphasizing the critical nature of upcoming races.
Looking ahead, the Cup Series will also tackle Watkins Glen and the Charlotte Roval in October, further heightening the urgency for a win. McDowell remains optimistic about his team’s progress with Spire Motorsports, stating, “I don’t think we’re just locked into only road courses… We have enough speed to challenge at various tracks.”
As the race weekend in Chicago approaches, McDowell’s focus remains clear: capitalize on his strengths and secure a vital win to enhance his playoff hopes.
