Michael McDowell will debut a special paint scheme at the Oct. 26 Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway as part of a new partnership with Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) and Gainbridge, drawing attention to the significant roles women play throughout North American motorsports. This initiative, centered on the Michael McDowell Xfinity 500 partnership, aims to spotlight women in all areas of the sport, from drivers and engineers to executives at teams, tracks, manufacturers, and corporate sponsors.
WIMNA, a nonprofit founded by industry veterans Lyn St. James and Beth Paretta, is devoted to growing opportunities for women within motorsports by fostering mentorship, advocacy, and education. The partnership will showcase the diverse contributions women make to racing, especially through McDowell’s vehicle, which will serve as a tribute at one of NASCAR’s marquee races.
Celebrating Women’s Influence Across Motorsports
At Martinsville Speedway, McDowell will race in a car adorned with imagery and colors honoring women across the motorsports community. Spire Motorsports and cornerstone partner Gainbridge are pivotal in this collaboration, working with WIMNA to ensure the spotlight reaches not only the drivers but also women working behind the scenes – such as engineers, executives, and support staff.
WIMNA’s mission is to build an inclusive environment where women are empowered and supported across every discipline and level of motorsports. By dedicating this effort to recognizing the achievements and ongoing contributions of women, the organization plans to inspire the next generation of female industry leaders.
Gainbridge continues to champion the advancement and inclusion of women in motorsports by showcasing its commitment on one of American motorsports’ grandest stages,
said Cindy Sisson, Executive Director of WIMNA.
We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible women who make our industry stronger every day.
said Cindy Sisson, Executive Director of WIMNA.
Key Partners Driving the Initiative Forward
Gainbridge, a technology-driven financial services company, is central to this effort, reinforcing its dedication to the advancement of women’s representation in motorsports through visible and impactful partnerships. The company’s alliance with McDowell and Spire Motorsports for the Xfinity 500 complements their role as the presenting sponsor of the opening reception at the Women with Drive V – Driven by Mobil 1 Summit, scheduled for December 8, 2025, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
We are proud to partner with Spire Motorsports in highlighting all of the important work being done by WIMNA in advancing opportunities for women across motorsports.
said Mike Nichols, Chief of Sponsorship Strategy and Activation at Gainbridge.
Spire Motorsports, which fields the Nos. 7, 71, and 77 Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series and other national series, brings significant racing experience to the collaboration and has a track record of success, including wins in both the Cup and Truck Series. The team, along with Gainbridge, is eager to help amplify WIMNA’s impact throughout the racing world.
Michael McDowell’s Career at Martinsville and Current Standing
Michael McDowell, the 2021 Daytona 500 champion and an established figure in NASCAR, began his Cup Series career at Martinsville Speedway in March 2008. Since then, the Glendale, Arizona native has accumulated 29 starts at the historic venue, with his best result there being a 12th-place finish in the seventh race of the 2025 season. He currently sits 21st in the Cup Series championship standings, having secured three top-five finishes and five top-10s so far this year.
With over 500 starts in NASCAR’s top division and a solid reputation as a respected and consistent competitor, McDowell has also recently earned Spire Motorsports’ inaugural pole position at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. His strong performance continued with a fifth-place finish in the Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte, further solidifying his status as an important member of the team and a competitor to watch at Martinsville.
Personal Motivation Fuels McDowell’s Advocacy
McDowell’s personal connection to the initiative is underscored by his family’s encouragement, especially from his wife Jami and their three daughters, as well as his mother. Their unwavering support has inspired him to become an advocate for empowering women and girls in motorsports, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to pursue their aspirations confidently and without barriers.
I think WIMNA is such a great organization,
said Michael McDowell, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
With my three girls and my wife, Jami, they’ve supported me through everything. I wouldn’t be here without those amazing ladies and my mother. It’s so important to nurture the dreams of our kids, giving them the confidence to pursue whatever their interests draw them to. If that’s motorsports, great, and making sure they can chase that dream with all the tools they need is such an important step in the right direction for women interested in motorsports. I’m thankful for the opportunity to represent Gainbridge and WIMNA. I’m eager to see this expand further than a paint scheme. We’re ready to head to Martinsville, honor the incredible women in North American motorsports and race for the win.
said Michael McDowell, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
Backgrounds of the Supporting Organizations
Women in Motorsports North America is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting and supporting women in all motorsport disciplines, both on track and in management. Established by Beth Paretta and Lyn St. James, the organization unites industry professionals and partners to create pathways for mentorship, professional development, and advocacy, ensuring women in motorsports have access to a supportive and resourceful community.
Founded in 2018, Gainbridge operates as an insurtech arm of Group 1001, delivering user-friendly financial solutions for consumers of all backgrounds. The company is based in Zionsville, Indiana and prioritizes transparency, inclusion, and smart technology as central principles.
Spire Motorsports, since its first full Cup Series season, has consistently competed at the highest levels of NASCAR. The team’s first major victory came in 2019 with Justin Haley at Daytona International Speedway, and in subsequent years, William Byron and Rajah Caruth have secured additional wins for the organization in the Truck Series and at other notable events, including the Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville in 2025.
Honoring Women’s Impact and Looking Ahead
The partnership involving Michael McDowell, Gainbridge, and WIMNA at the Xfinity 500 represents a dynamic step toward increasing recognition of women’s pivotal roles in motorsports. Backed by dedicated organizations and leaders such as Cindy Sisson, the summit activities at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in December will further the mission of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for current and future women in the industry.
This collaborative initiative not only shines a light on the contributions of engineers, drivers, corporate executives, and support staff, but also motivates teams to build sustainable pathways for female talent. As McDowell and Spire Motorsports prepare for the Xfinity 500, the balance between honoring tradition and driving progress is certain to resonate throughout the motorsports community, demonstrating a vibrant commitment to diversity, empowerment, and future innovation in the sport.
