McDowell is having fun with one of the best season of his Cup Collection profession with two top-fives, 4 top-tens and naturally, his first profession victory in February’s Daytona 500.
The Entrance Row Motorsports driver has at all times shined on NASCAR’s two superspeedways with ten of his 16 profession top-tens coming on the excessive banks of Daytona and Talladega.
The 36-year-old is already in place to make the playoffs, however nonetheless practically discovered Victory Lane as soon as once more Sunday. He pushed race winner Brad Keselowski out into the race lead on the ultimate lap, however ended up third after dropping his personal pusher when he pulled out to make a cost on the win himself.
“I assumed we had a shot at it,” he mentioned post-race. “Actually, I used to be fairly near timing it. I simply did not drag Brad again sufficient after I bought to his proper rear. He form of pulled down, which is nice. I used to be watching the 24 (William Byron) a bit bit an excessive amount of and wanted to tug Brad again a bit bit extra.”
He later added: “I used to be making an attempt to tug again to the 24 simply to get a bit little bit of hole off of Brad so I might get a run. I used to be ready to try this. Like I mentioned, I believe I will have to return and watch it. From what I might inform, I simply did not drag Brad again sufficient after I bought to his proper rear. He did a superb job of pulling to the left, form of getting me off of his proper rear.
“It was shut. If the 24 would have stayed up with us, we might have undoubtedly had the momentum. We might have gotten Brad. However I perceive, too, the 24 is making an attempt to win the race. You are making an attempt to look out the entrance and the again on the identical time and make a superb resolution.”
McDowell gave numerous the credit score to his new spotter Clayton Hughes, who beforehand labored with 2017 NASCAR Cup Collection champion Martin Truex Jr.
“Clayton is a large asset, an enormous a part of our success that we’re having right here at these speedway races and in all places,” mentioned McDowell. “Him and I are gelling collectively rather well. He is aware of what I would like, is ready to give me the knowledge so I could make good choices. He does an incredible job. It has been an enormous step for us this 12 months.
“A lot is chemistry and persona and the way it all gels and matches. That relationship may be very distinctive and particular. It is taken me a short while to seek out that. Clayton and I do rather well collectively. We have had some success already, so it is a good package deal and I am grateful to have him.”