Michael McDowell to Make First Xfinity Series Start Since 2016

What’s Happening?

Michael McDowell will drive Kaulig Racing’s No. 11 entry as a substitute driver during this weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen.

• McDowell, who races full-time for Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series, is filling in for Josh Williams, with whom Kaulig parted ways last week. Kaulig’s Xfinity Series program is off to a tough start, and team President Chris Rice says parting ways with the series veteran was the first move of a period in which the team will “judge and grade” their program.
• In his place, Kaulig is opting for a rotation of drivers, kicking this off with McDowell’s Cup Series teammate Carson Hocevar last weekend. While Hocevar did not win last weekend, he tied Williams for the team’s best finish of the season, bringing the No. 11 home sixth. At press time, the team has yet to announce the rest of the drivers for the No. 11, though there are rumors.
• McDowell is a former NASCAR Xfinity Series winner, winning in his most recent start in 2016 at Road America with Richard Childress Racing. This was the first NASCAR National Series win for the Road Course ace, and the then-journeyman driver found stability in the seasons following this win.
• While McDowell may seem like a favorite to win at the Glen this weekend, he will have to compete with the aces of the Xfinity Series and Cup Series rival Shane van Gisbergen. Van Gisbergen and his JRM teammate Conner Zilisch have dominated Road Courses in 2025, with the two duking it out for the win in the last two races on road courses.

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