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With the silly season just a few months away, the talks about who will replace Michael McDowell at Spire Motorsports have begun. However, the 2021 Daytona 500 winner himself has made his plans clear for his future in the sport.
The No. 71 Spire Motorsports driver signed a multiyear deal with the team in 2025. His first year with the team was a bit volatile, but he impressed on occasions, bagging three top-five finishes and three top tens. However, this season has been a different story altogether.
The 41-year-old has one top ten and a top five to his name, but been has finishing outside the top 20 in the last four races. Heading into the Watkins Glen race this weekend, during his media availability, Michael McDowell spoke about his future at Spire while also adding who might replace him if he retires.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 11: Michael McDowell 71 Spire Motorsports Modo Casino Chevrolet is being interviewed during Media Day for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Daytona 500 on February 11, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: FEB 11 NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 Media Day EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602112655500
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 11: Michael McDowell 71 Spire Motorsports Modo Casino Chevrolet is being interviewed during Media Day for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Daytona 500 on February 11, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: FEB 11 NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 Media Day EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602112655500
He spoke highly about Spire Motorsports development driver Tristan McKee and emphasized that he would retire when the 15-year-old is ready to replace him. "He’s really switched on, focused, and he’s the real deal. Jordan was asking when I’m gonna quit. I’m going to quit when he’s ready to go Cup racing, Lord willing," McDowell said (via Express).
This is not the first time the Spire driver has spoken about the young phenom. After McKee won his first ARCA Menards race last season at Watkins Glen, McDowells had made similar comments about finding his replacement.
In 2026, Mckee has won two ARCA races in Hickory and Rockingham drving the No. 77 Chevy for Pinnacle Racing Group.
While Michael McDowell tipped his hat to the teenage racer who could replace him, the 19th-year NASCAR veteran is hungry to prove himself. And Sunday's Cup race at Watkins Glen might just be the place to do it.
Michael McDowell eyeing a comeback
During qualifying on Saturday, the McDowell placed second, just 0.259 seconds behind Shane van Gisbergen. The Watkins Glen track has been the American drivers' strong suit even though SVG has established himself as the road maestro.
While talking to the media ahead of Go Bowling at Watkins Glen, the No. 71 driver said, "Watkins Glen, obviously, has been a great racetrack for me. We've had not the best finishes, but we’ve had good speed here."
The last few races have been difficult for the Spire Motorsports veteran. McDowell and Co. faced penalties, had missed opportunities and made mistakes that cost them.
"There’s no doubt these last four weeks have been rough for the 71 group," McDowell said Saturday. "We know that. But the plus side is our race team has a lot of speed. Our teammates have had a lot of speed, so we know how to get there, and we know what we need to do."
The team will be hoping that Watkins Glen provides the relief that they need.
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Written by
Chionia Libania Colaco
Edited by
Yask Kotak