Michael McDowell Speaks to Pressure of Spire’s Success

Michael McDowell got honest about trying to keep up with his Spire Motorsports teammates during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The driver of the No. 71 is the only one of the three Spire drivers who have not won a race this year and failed to make the Chase.

McDowell, who is in his second season with Spire, ranks 20th in the points standings after 33 races. The 2021 Daytona 500 champion has totaled three top fives and six top-10 finishes.

Michael McDowell Shares Unique NASCAR Career Statistic

During a recent interview with “Official Speed Freaks,” McDowell shared a career statistic that most NASCAR fans might have overlooked. Prior to the 2026 season, the two-time Cup Series winner has never been a part of a NASCAR team where a teammate of his won a race.

That changed last April at Talladega when Carson Hocevar wheeled his way to his first career Cup win in the No. 77 Spire Chevrolet.

“When Carson won at Talladega, that was the first time in my career that a teammate’s ever won on a team that I’ve ever been on. So, while I’m driving at that team, I’ve never had a teammate win at any level. That was a first for me,” McDowell said. 

One month later, Daniel Suarez was the victor in the rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte behind the wheel of the No. 7 Chevrolet. Because both of his teammates had been to victory lane, McDowell described how the pressure was on him to perform.

“Daniel obviously winning, too, and running well; it’s been an adjustment for me this year to figure out how do I step my game up, how do I find a little bit more but also, too, handle that pressure of your teammates are doing it. They’re in the same cars as you,” McDowell said.

McDowell Embracing Spire Motorsports Struggles: ‘I Like to Suck’

McDowell would obviously like to have a win or two himself and be a part of the Chase this season. However, the 41-year-old out of Phoenix, Arizona embraces the grind and being the driver that struggles.

McDowell has not had a situation prior where he has been alongside winning teammates. As much as he wants to join in the success, McDowell is not shying away from digging deep.

“I haven’t had to live that. … I like to suck. I’ve sort of always liked to suck. It’s where you grow and learn. I embrace the suck. I would rather it be the other way and I won a bunch of races and not [sucked] but I’ve enjoyed the digging in and tried to figure out how to find that last little bit,” McDowell said.