Michael McDowell is the driver of NASCAR’s #95 Sprint Cup Chevy owned by Circle Sports/ LFR and sponsored by KLOVE Radio and Thrivent Financial. Michael previously drove for Phil Parson’s Racing and posted his career Sprint Cup best, placing seventh at the 2014 Daytona race and winning the pole for Joe Gibbs Racing at Mid-Ohio in the Nationwide series, finishing second. Michael has been racing on the Sprint Cup NASCAR circuit since 2008 with nearly 200 starts. He has driven for teams including: Joe Gibbs Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Darrell Waltrip Motorsports and JTG Daugherty Racing.
Michael was born on December 21, 1984 in Glendale, Arizona. His passion for racing began at the age of three as a BMX competitor. As an eight-year-old, he won the World Karting Association championship, back-to-back undefeated IKF championships and 18 consecutive feature wins. From 2004-2007, Michael found success in the Grand Am Rolex Series as well as winning the 2004 Championship in the Star Mazda Series. In 2007, he won Rookie of the Year in the ARCA Re/Max Series with nine pole positions and four wins. In 2007, his success earned him a start with Darrell Waltrip Racing in his NASCAR debut (Craftsman Truck Series). He joined Michael Waltrip Racing in 2008 in the Sprint Cup Series replacing retired legend Dale Jarrett.
Michael is also remembered for one of the most vicious wrecks in NASCAR history. During a qualifying for the 2008 Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 4, 2008, his right front sway bar broke entering turn one, causing his car to hit the SAFER barrier almost head on at 165 miles per hour. The car spun around once while tipping onto its roof, and then barrel-rolled eight times with fire pouring from the engine, eventually coming to a stop back onto its tires. Due to the advanced safety equipment, Michael walked away from the accident uninjured.
Racing is a big part of Michael’s life, but it defines only what he does for a living, not who he is as a man. Michael is a devoted husband to his wife Jami and to his four children. Most importantly, his commitment to his faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which Michael lives his life.
Every Saturday morning Michael leads a Bible study with other NASCAR drivers at the racetracks and is an active member of Motor Racing Outreach. He speaks at 10 to 15 outreach events every year at track campgrounds, local churches and VA hospitals. Jami and Michael also host a biweekly Bible study at their home so the wives of drivers can stay connected and grow spiritually.
Michael McDowell Video Bio
Michael McDowell Featured on I Am Second
