MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Spire Motorsports and Go Bowling will renew its partnership in 2026 and expand the relationship by including both Michael McDowell and young phenom Tristan McKee during the NASCAR Cup and ARCA Menards Series’ race weekend at Watkins Glen International.
McDowell will pilot the No. 71 Go Bowling Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in NASCAR’s premier division for the May 10 Go Bowling at the Glen while McKee will race the No. 77 Chevy when the ARCA Menards Series mixes it up on Friday, May 8 at the famed 2.45-mile road course, situated at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, in the picturesque Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York.
Bowling continues to be the No. 1 participatory sport in the United States, with more than 60 million people taking to the lanes and bowling centers all over America each year.
“Bowling is one of the most exciting, inclusive sports out there – bringing people together for competition, connection, and pure fun in a way few activities can,” said John Harbuck, President of Strike Ten Entertainment. “It’s time to break out of the ordinary, don’t go boring, Go Bowling, and experience the energy, community, and thrill that make this sport so special.”
Both drivers will sport identical bowling-lane themed liveries when each division returns to the seven-turn venue known for its high speeds and challenging layout. Last season’s annual visit to The Glen saw McDowell qualify sixth and, after being shuffled as deep as 33rd in the running order, rally to bring home a 19th-place finish.
The McDowell/McKee pairing will run a combined 345 miles between the two races, displaying the Go Bowling colors and supporting various bowling-themed activations at the track.
McDowell, a Glendale, Ariz., native and accomplished road racer, has competed in multiple series at WGI including the Rolex Grand-Am Sports Car series where he earned multiple top-five finishes prior to his time in the NASCAR ranks. In Cup Series competition, the 41-year-old racer has earned two top-10 finishes and led laps in three of his last four starts.
“Go Bowling has been such a fun partnership,” said McDowell, “From the World’s Highest Strike with Norm Duke and Malia Briggs, to the way they have embraced my family and the team. It has been nothing short of special. I am thankful for the opportunity to take our partnership to the next level. Tristan (McKee) is a special talent, and he clearly has what it takes to win. Watkins Glen has been one of my favorite tracks for years and our road course program has been constantly improving. So, I’m excited to get up to The Glen a little earlier this year and hopefully give the Go Bowling team a good run.”
In his ARCA Menards Series debut last season, McKee qualified fourth for the venue’s 100-mile contest, taking the lead with three laps to go, en route to his first career ARCA victory, just five days after turning the minimum age requirement of 15-years-old.
“I’m eager to have Go Bowling on our car at Watkins Glen,” said McKee, “Bowling is always a lot of fun and one of the most traditional family activities everywhere in the country, so I’m looking forward to a fun trip to Watkins Glen. I won in my ARCA debut last year, so I’m looking forward to getting it done again and having Go Bowling support our team.”
