Kaulig Racing No. 11 Watkins Glen will see a change behind the wheel as Michael McDowell, a respected figure in road course racing, has been chosen to replace Josh Williams at the upcoming event on August 9. The team’s decision follows Williams’ recent departure from the organization, marking a notable shift for the Watkins Glen weekend.
McDowell Brings Experience and Road Course Skill to Kaulig Racing
Michael McDowell, the 2021 Daytona 500 victor and winner of the 2023 Indianapolis road course, will take charge of the No. 11 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet for the Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen. At 40 years old and hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, McDowell is recognized for his performance on road courses—he has collected two top-10 finishes in the last three NASCAR Cup Series events at this track.
Though McDowell is a veteran with 94 Xfinity Series starts, his last appearance in the series dates back to 2016, when he secured a victory at Road America. Over nearly twenty years, he has also participated in 524 Cup Series races, four Craftsman Truck Series events, and 28 ARCA Menards Series competitions. His comprehensive skill set is expected to benefit the team at this technical circuit.
Recent Driver Carousel and Event Details
McDowell will step into the No. 11 just a week after his Spire Motorsports colleague, Carson Hocevar, piloted the car at Iowa Speedway in the Xfinity race. The organization has yet to reveal any long-term plans for further replacement drivers beyond the upcoming event at Watkins Glen.
The Mission 200 at Watkins Glen will commence with practice and qualifying sessions on the morning of August 9. Following those, the green flag for the main event will wave shortly after 3 p.m. ET. Fans can tune into coverage via the CW, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio as the action unfolds.
What the Change Means for Kaulig Racing
This strategic driver change may offer Kaulig Racing a competitive advantage at one of NASCAR’s most challenging tracks. With a seasoned road course racer like McDowell behind the wheel, the team is looking to strengthen its performance and adapt quickly after Josh Williams’ dismissal. As anticipation builds for the Mission 200, all eyes will be on McDowell and the No. 11 entry to see how this shift impacts the race‘s outcome and the team’s approach moving forward.
