NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) driver Michael McDowell looks to get back into the swing of things at Richmond International Raceway after Circle Sport – Leavine Family Racing (CSLFR) battled adversity during the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway last weekend.
After qualifying was cancelled due to rain, McDowell started the Bojangles’ Southern 500 in the 30th position before experiencing technical difficulties with the No. 95 Thrivent Racing Chevrolet’s digital dashboard, resulting in a speeding penalty for the team. McDowell battled his way back through the pack during the daunting 500 miles race and finished in 27th.
McDowell is thrilled to rebound from Darlington and return to Richmond, a track that ensures excitement and tough racing. He has made eleven total NSCS starts at Richmond, with a best qualifying effort of 19th and a best finish in the Top-20. McDowell and CSLFR look to improve on their 31st place finish at the 3/4th mile back in April of this year.
“I love going to Richmond,” said McDowell. “It’s produced some great races over the years, and earlier this year was no different. The last lap pass for the lead was great racing. We struggled a little back in April, so we definitely have work to do going back to Richmond. We’ve improved quite a bit throughout the season, so I’m excited to go back and see what we can do.”
Throughout the week, CSLFR will also be highlighting fans during their “Fan Appreciation” initiative on their social channels in conjunction with hosting an honorary pit crew member that will join the team on race day as a part of Richmond International Raceway’s own program.
“I have some really great fans that I share a unique bond with,” said McDowell. “One of the reasons we do this is to perform at the highest level we can for our team, and our partners, but our fans are the ones who make all those things happen – it all goes hand-in-hand. In racing, you’re going to have more bad days than good, so keeping my mind focused on the positives, moving forward and not looking back is huge. More than anything, though, is knowing people have my back. That gives me motivation and inspiration.”
McDowell will pilot the No. 95 Malwarebytes Chevrolet SS for the team’s second trip to Richmond this season. The CSLFR team recently fell victim to ransomware, where a crucial subset of data was held hostage. The team turned to Malwarebytes in the wake of the attack, and now deploys Malwarebytes Anti-Malware on all company computers to protect its data.
CSLFR PR
