“That Was Tough” – 38-Year-Old Race Winner Reveals What Left His Daytona 500 Win an Empty Experience

Throwback to February 2021, there was a 16-car pile-up near the start of the Daytona 500 race. Crashes of all sorts became the major highlight of the event. The race was delayed by 6 hours due to rain and hailstorm. Both fans and drivers ran for a shelter and some of the drivers even left the racetrack to get dinner. However, when the rain cleared and the smoke settled down, Michael McDowell had the last laugh as he stood at the checkered flag in utter disbelief.

Fast forward to yesterday, the 38-year-old Front Row Motorsports driver secured another valorous victory in Verizon 200 at the Brickyard. But, after the race, he revealed how his recent win is different from his cherished Daytona 500 win.

“It was tough.” Michael McDowell’s victory experience at Daytona was left incomplete

Michael McDowell is the name of a man who has been through ups and downs but has never let the downs keep him there. He has always dusted himself up and believed in himself. As the father of 5 beautiful kids, McDowell holds them exceptionally near to his heart. Usually, any driver would start celebrating instantly after a win, but this man won the race, slid out from the driver’s seat of his #34 Ford Mustang, hugged his children, and kissed his wife. Such a sweet spectacle for the fans!

A Skewcar reporter walked up to Michael and asked him, “What does it mean to have the family here to celebrate the win in Indianapolis, a place you always dreamed of just racing at, but it also put you in the playoffs?”

For McDowell, it was indeed a big deal. The profession of NASCAR drivers requires them to travel, and it is not always possible for them to have their families by their side. So, winning while your family is there to watch is a reward in itself. McDowell exclaimed, “Winning the Daytona 500 was one of the coolest moments you could ever have but going to victory lane without your family; that was tough!”

“So, we cherry-pick, my family comes to the races we think we can win. We thought we could win this one. Just so proud,” he smiled.

Watch this story: How a Former Cup Champion Created History With a Banned NASCAR Car in 1971?

Michael McDowell ran an 82-lap race with sheer confidence, held off Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports, and grabbed a spot in the 2023 playoffs. And with that, his first career road course win.

McDowell’s elevator video melted the hearts of his fans

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After the race was over, the Ford sensation recorded himself and his family on his phone thanking his team and Ford. He still could not believe that he had just won at Indianapolis. When he panned the camera at his children and wife, fans could no longer hold back and started showering the man and his family with praises and congratulations.

Someone commented, “Enjoy this one, McDowell! I don’t doubt there will be more to come.”

His fans too, were confident about his performance even before the race began. In that light, one wrote, “I messaged you yesterday and said, “See you in winner’s circle” I just had a feeling. Congratulations!!!”

Most of them were congratulating Michael and his team. Although the words were different, they all meant the same. They said, “Great job!!! Congrats to you and the whole team..”

But someone pointed at McDowell’s youngest kid looking puzzled at the camera and said, “Awww, look at the baby”

Another fan came up and blessed the entire family, saying, “Couldn’t have happened to a better guy. You and your family and team enjoy this moment”

As Michael the 2021 Daytona 500 winner sits in the 15th spot in the playoff standings, his family’s happiness knows no bounds. We are happy for him too. Indeed, your family is your biggest cheerleader.

Read more: A Heroic Call By Michael McDowell And Front Row Motorsports Warrant Him A Playoff Chance