It was a name that no one expected to see in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs lineup, but nevertheless, Michael McDowell showed up when he needed to.
The No. 34 Front Row Motorsports driver pulled off a surprise win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on Aug. 13, which then locked McDowell into the first round of the playoffs. It was his second career series victory.
Though the 16-year Cup Series veteran didn’t advance farther than the Round of 16, McDowell’s effort was certainly commendable. Overall, he scored two top fives, eight top 10s and led 97 laps during the season.
His 15th-place finish in the standings was his best career showing in the Cup Series. Previously, his highest finish was 16th in 2021.
“If you look at the big picture, I’m happy where we are at as a race team and the improvements we made,” McDowell told SPEED SPORT after he was eliminated from the playoffs at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. “No doubt, for sure. Running up front, all year long more often, leading more laps, putting ourselves in more position, for sure, I feel good about that.”
McDowell will return to the seat of the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports entry in 2024.