Michael McDowell delivered a determined performance at Phoenix Raceway, securing a top-10 finish that highlighted his progress and resilience throughout the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. Showcasing a strong effort in front of his home crowd, the Michael McDowell Phoenix finish marked a milestone in the veteran’s career with Spire Motorsports.
McDowell Turns Phoenix Struggles into Triumph
For much of his time in NASCAR, Phoenix Raceway—situated in the heart of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona—offered Michael McDowell little comfort, despite being his home track. Across his first 25 starts in Phoenix, McDowell managed only three top-20 finishes, with 13th as his previous best, often racing with teams that lacked competitive funding.
The narrative shifted in recent seasons as McDowell began producing strong results at Phoenix. In the last five races at this track, he consistently improved, culminating in back-to-back top-10 finishes in 2023 and 2024. This upward trend continued as McDowell capped his 2025 campaign with an eighth-place result, tying his career-best mark at Phoenix during the season finale on November 2.
How the Phoenix Race Played Out
After having to start from the back of the field, McDowell wasted little time moving forward, advancing by eight positions in short order. Handling issues later dropped him as far back as 32nd, and he finished the first stage one lap down. A timely caution in stage two allowed McDowell to regain a position on the lead lap, and following some steady progress, he reached 27th at the end of the segment.
In the final stage, McDowell methodically gained ground, entering the top 20 and holding his own as the race progressed. A late caution just before the finish prompted crew chief Travis Peterson to make a key call for a two-tire stop. This decision propelled McDowell’s No. 71 Chevrolet into the top 10, a position he defended fiercely over the closing laps to take eighth place at the checkered flag.
“Proud of everyone at @SpireMotorsport and thankful for all the hard work that went into this season. Top-10 to close it out in the @Tide ride! pic.twitter.com/JfOrk8vOLZ”
— Michael McDowell, Driver
Assessing McDowell’s First Season with Spire Motorsports
This final race performance reflected McDowell’s journey in his debut year with Spire Motorsports. The start of the season was slow but consistent, with McDowell not recording his first top-10 finish until the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. As the season progressed, he found his rhythm, rising to new challenges and persevering through both high points and difficult stretches.
McDowell’s closing stretch of 13 races featured 11 top-20 results, including three finishes inside the top 10. He posted the second-best average finish of his career at 18.2, a strong achievement alongside his previous best of 16.7 in 2022. The transition from Front Row Motorsports to Spire Motorsports was managed smoothly, and McDowell’s continued improvement with experience showcases his enduring competitiveness as he prepares to turn 41 next month.
Looking ahead, the No. 71 team’s ability to capitalize on strong days and minimize setbacks signals their potential as a group likely to make a significant impact next season.
Other Notable Performances and Farewells at Phoenix
The Phoenix finale also marked significant moments for other underdog drivers and teams. Spire Motorsports bid farewell to Justin Haley, who concluded his run in the No. 7 car with a 14th-place finish ahead of his move to Kaulig Racing’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series program, where Daniel Suarez will replace him. Despite expectations for the Haley-Spire partnership being higher than the results delivered, Haley’s last race with the team proved memorable and competitive.
“It’s the end of two eras today. Justin Haley’s last start in the No. 7 and Daniel Suarez’s last start in the No. 99. pic.twitter.com/4PCkwNrLLc”
— John Newby, Reporter
Haley endured adversity from the onset, falling a lap behind early and posting stage finishes of 33rd and 29th. Nevertheless, he returned to the lead lap, steadily working his way up. During the race’s closing stages, Haley moved just outside the top 15, and after the overtime finish, he surged up to 14th in his Spire sendoff.
“.@Justin_Haley_ told”get that 43, we get a top-20″”— The Racing Underdogs, Analyst
Erik Jones of Legacy Motor Club also closed his season on a high note with a 16th-place finish. Initially hampered by car handling he described as “plowing,” Jones improved with strategic adjustments, moving up to 15th by the end of the second stage. He pushed as high as 12th in the final run before his car loosened slightly and changes in race strategy during overtime dropped him to finish just inside the top 20. The result marked his 20th top-20 finish this year, highlighting his team’s growth and recovery from a disappointing 2024 season.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driving for the newly re-branded Hyak Motorsports, capped his year in 17th place. Stenhouse displayed resilience throughout the season despite setbacks, especially after an early crash at Nashville Superspeedway derailed postseason hopes. Nevertheless, he finished among the top 20 in three of the last five events, suggesting Hyak Motorsports remains a contender going forward.
“🏁 P17 pic.twitter.com/QFCbZgXkvO”— Hyak Motorsports, Team
Highlighting the 2025 Underdogs and Rising Talents
Instead of traditional rankings, the end of the season brings recognition for drivers and teams who exceeded expectations. Carson Hocevar earned the “Top Dog of the Year” title, consistently leading the group of underdogs, recording nine top-10s, and often racing near the front. Despite a season marked by misfortune and controversy, Hocevar showed he has the skill—and perhaps now the momentum—to become a Cup Series race winner soon.
John Hunter Nemechek received the “Most Improved” accolade, playing a central role in Legacy Motor Club’s rise. Nemechek notched his first two top-five finishes, doubled his top-10 count, reduced his average finish by five positions, and jumped 10 places in the standings over last year. He also proved a dark horse threat at superspeedway events, making him a driver to watch in upcoming campaigns.
Michael McDowell’s move to Spire was recognized as the “Best New Pairing” of the year. Although the adjustment away from Front Row Motorsports required patience, McDowell’s steady improvement with the team and persistence through difficult races—such as the Chicago street event—suggest a bright future for the partnership. According to observers, different race scenarios could have easily put McDowell and Spire into playoff contention this year, making next season particularly promising for the team.
Another emerging talent to keep an eye on is Zane Smith. As FRM—still embroiled in legal disputes involving 23XI Racing and NASCAR—faces uncertainties, Smith’s performances in 2025, including five top-10 finishes and career-best average results, cement his reputation as a rising star likely to attract attention in coming seasons.
Iconic Tide Colors and NASCAR Tradition
Amidst changes in the sport, including evolving championship formats, a piece of NASCAR nostalgia returned with the Tide Ride sponsoring McDowell’s No. 71 Chevrolet at Phoenix. The car’s vibrant, familiar look captured fans’ imaginations, adding a sense of continuity even as new faces, teams, and storylines emerged in 2025.
“Back on the lead lap.@Mc_Driver gets the Free Pass under this most recent caution. pic.twitter.com/JKrpJU7ePw”
— Spire Motorsports, Team
For McDowell, finishing the year with a performance matching his best-ever Phoenix result—while sporting a legendary sponsor—was a fitting capstone to an intense and transformative season.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series
Michael McDowell’s gritty Phoenix finish showcased his adaptability, teamwork with Spire Motorsports, and ability to compete against top-tier drivers like Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson—who secured the race win and Cup Series championship, respectively. With McDowell demonstrating growth and poise, entering his 41st year, his experience is set to drive both individual momentum and collective ambition for his team.
As driver pairings change, young talents emerge, and iconic sponsors like Tide continue their support, underdog stories promise to remain a compelling aspect of the NASCAR Cup Series. All eyes now turn to the 2026 season, where McDowell and his fellow competitors will strive for new milestones and even greater achievements.
Proud of everyone at @SpireMotorsport and thankful for all the hard work that went into this season. Top-10 to close it out in the @Tide ride! pic.twitter.com/JfOrk8vOLZ
— Michael McDowell (@Mc_Driver) November 3, 2025
It's the end of two eras today. Justin Haley's last start in the No. 7 and Daniel Suarez's last start in the No. 99. pic.twitter.com/4PCkwNrLLc
— John Newby (@JohnNewby_) November 2, 2025
.@Justin_Haley_ told "get that 43, we get a top-20"
— The Racing Underdogs (@RacingUnderdogs) November 2, 2025
🏁 P17 pic.twitter.com/QFCbZgXkvO
— Hyak Motorsports (@HYAKMotorsports) November 3, 2025
Back on the lead lap.@Mc_Driver gets the Free Pass under this most recent caution. pic.twitter.com/JKrpJU7ePw
— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) November 2, 2025
