Under The Weather at Talladega; McDowell Gains 8th Top-20 Finish of 2016

Circle-Sport Leavine Family Racing Website

A rather quiet showing by the Glendale Arizona native resulted in his 8th Top-20 finish of 2016.

Circle-Sport Leavine Family Racing Website

In the final Restrictor Plate race of 2016, McDowell looked to continue what has been a career season behind the wheel of the #95 K-Love Radio Chevrolet SS in the Hellmann's 500. McDowell paced a rather fast lap in first practice landing him in the 6th spot. The team elected not to risk a car in second practice and the #95 wouldn't go out. The team knew they weren't going to qualify very well with the "Rapid Fire Qualifying" but knew speed was in the #95 and qualifying just set up pit stall selection.
On Sunday, McDowell would start the Hellmann's 500 in 34th. McDowell moved up to 16th in the first ten laps of the race. Most of the rest of the race consisted of consistent running from anywhere inside the Top-15. McDowell would make a charge in the end and finish the Hellmann's 500 in 16th, his 8th Top-15 finish of 2016.
During the race, McDowell made the most green flag finishes of any drivers making 596 passes under the green flag. Michael's average running position was a 15th. An all in all good day for the #95 team as McDowell looks to state his case for a ride in 2017. McDowell will run the remainder of the seasons races and look to add on to a very successful season. (Koelle,2016)