“Got Loose and Ruined His Day”: Michael McDowell’s Public Gesture Towards Tony Stewart’s Driver Stimulates Admiration From NASCAR Fanbase

While the weather tried its best to halt the race, the postponed Monday race was a feel-good entertainer for Joe Gibbs Racing and Martin Truex Jr. However, it wasn’t remotely so for Ryan Preece and Stewart-Haas Racing. The #41 Ford driver had to be content with a 28th spot as he ended the race at New Hampshire. While the driver continued his bleak streak, the community witnessed some words being exchanged between the SHR driver and Michael McDowell following the race.

After the race, Preece was seen furious as Michael McDowell of Front Row Motorsports bumped him out of the competition, eliminating his chances of scoring a solid finish. But McDowell surprised the community with his honest ways as he offered a fitting apology to Tony Stewart‘s driver, admitting his mistake.

Michael McDowell edged out Ryan Preece’s chances at New Hampshire

Much like his 2023 season, Monday’s race too wasn’t much great for Ryan Preece. While his team is caught in a rut, the driver is now forced to continue his bad form as a late-stage incident essentially eliminated his chances of finishing in the top-15. 26th in the rankings, the NHMS race looked like it threw away Preece’s Playoff chances out the window.

Battling for the position in the later stage of the race, Michael McDowell’s #34 Ford bumped into Preece’s car into the outer wall. McDowell, who carried speed into the turn, couldn’t control it as the #34 Ford “got loose” and rammed into an unsuspecting Preece from the side.

This essentially killed Preece’s game as the late bump forced the #31 Ford to pit, taking away valuable track position. Preece finished 28th whereas McDowell got home with a respectable 13th-place finish. As Preece was boiling over when the road racing expert McDowell met him after the race.

Admitting his fault, McDowell talked to his fellow Ford driver, consoling him in repentance. Following his revelation, the FRM driver tweeted out to Preece, owning his mistake and showcasing a class act earning the community’s praise.

READ MORE: After $110 Billion Setback, NASCAR Community Pinpoints Tony Stewart’s Blunders Leading to SHR’s Downfall

“Don’t see that much anymore”: NASCAR nation goes all praise, lauding McDowell’s class act

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Much like Preece, SHR’s veteran driver, Aric Almirola also had his day ruined in a moment. The #10 driver got the lead for a brief time until things went from best to worst as he slipped off the track into the outer wall owing to a lousy pit stop from his team.

McDowell, even after meeting Preece post the race, tweeted out a befitting apology, “It was 100% my fault @RyanPreece_has every right to be mad. I made a mistake, got loose and ruined his day. I would be mad as well.”

Fans lauded the driver’s class act, praising the show of sportsmanship.

“Class act @Mc_Driver thanks for owning the mistake. Gentlemen, you both are amazing drivers.”

“Class act, result sucked but the fact you came out with this and the video of your interview with reporters I respect you a lot. Keep driving well this year and the results will come for both of you guys!”

While another fan wrote,

“@Mc_Driver you’re a true sportsman in every way. It takes a big man to admit when things go south I’m sure right now Ryan is mad but I’m sure his anger will subside in time as he has to know the level of character you display in the sport on and off the track.”

“Respect to @Mc_Driver for owning it. Let’s not forget some drivers who won’t be mentioned, clean people out weekly and don’t man up to it”

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Another ardent fan reflected on the class act, commenting,

“Props to both of you for keeping it professional. Don’t see that much anymore.”