KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - SEPTEMBER 27: Michael McDowell, driver of the #71 Gainbridge Chevrolet, drives during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN BET at Kansas Speedway on September 27, 2025 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - SEPTEMBER 27: Michael McDowell, driver of the #71 Gainbridge Chevrolet, drives during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN BET at Kansas Speedway on September 27, 2025 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Michael McDowell not thinking about retirement

On one hand, Michael McDowell didn’t win a race this season, in his first season with Spire Motorsports so that was a mission unaccomplished but there is also a privilege in that pressure that motivates him.

For example, at 40-years-old, some in NASCAR would start pondering what comes after driving and that is especially true for a devout family man that has a wife and five children at home.

But no, McDowell is not thinking about retirement.

“Well, do I see that in the future,” McDowell said. “Not in the near future.”

Motorsport