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The Other McMemorable Debut
3/28/08: SOZ Studios, MI - By Dennis Michelsen "DMIC" (RaceTalkRadio.com)
It will seem very strange to see a NASCAR Sprint Cup race without Dale Jarrett attempting to qualify for the event. Michael McDowell wasn't born yet when DJ made his first NASCAR Winston Cup start at Martinsville on April 29, 1984. Just twenty-three years old with just over a year of oval racing experience in stockcar racing, McDowell will be making his Cup debut this weekend. Rookies aren't expected to do much at Martinsville Speedway but up to this point McDowell's rapid rise hasn't been expected either! Get ready for another McMemorable debut at NASCAR's classic track.
Winding Road to NASCAR
While many NASCAR drivers grew up racing late model stockcars on short tracks, Michael McDowell came up a much different path. After excelling in go-karts posting 18 straight main event victories and the 1997 World Karting Association Championship. It appeared McDowell would be heading to open wheel racing. He won the rookie of the year title in the Star Mazda division in 2003 and followed that up the next year with the series championship! The 2005 season McDowell raced in the Rolex Daytona Prototypes again posting a win in his rookie season. In 2006 he won again in the Rolex Series before deciding to make a big change in his career by jumping to the ARCA RE/MAX series for the 2007 season.
Instant Success in ARCA
Michael McDowell was a fast study in the ARCA RE/MAX series last season. His four wins as a rookie on three uniquely different kinds of tracks should that McDowell was as good at just turning left as he was on the road courses! Winning an amazing nine poles was further evidence that the decision to move to stockcars was a smart one. Instead of competing just for the rookie title it became quite apparent early in the season that Michael McDowell would give nine time ARCA champion Frank Kimmell his toughest battle in years! The cagey veteran would withstand the rookie's onslaught to win another title, but McDowell's performance earned him a quick promotion to NASCAR.
NASCAR's New Fan Favorite
Michael McDowell is a tenacious competitor behind the wheel of a stockcar but he is also one of the most fan friendly drivers to hit the sport in a long time. Last season here in RaceTalkRadio.com we featured the ARCA RE/MAX race winners every Tuesday night on "Inside the ARCA RE/MAX Series with Mike Harper." McDowell made sure he was there for every appearance and became an instant hit with our listeners too despite a very busy schedule late in the year. It won't be long until this talented youngster is posting strong finishes in NASCAR's Sprint Cup division. When that happens look for Michael McDowell to quickly become a fan favorite!
McRookie of the Year Campaign Begins at McMartinsville
The pressure is off Michael McDowell for this afternoon's qualifying thanks to Dale Jarrett and David Reutimann! He can get comfortable in the car but don't be surprised when McDowell puts his car on the pole later this year. Rookies at Martinsville are happy if they just survive their first race at Martinsville. But Michael McDowell will come out of the box fast and will be the top rookie of the race! Despite spotting the Rookie of the Year competition five races look for Michael McDowell to quickly rise to the top of this year's class. Good luck to you Mr. McDowell…the ARCA Thunder Crew will be cheering you on this week!
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