Spire Motorsports has announced a new partnership with Tibbetts Lumber Company for the upcoming Fresh From Florida 250, marking the season opener of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at Daytona International Speedway. Michael McDowell, a respected veteran of NASCAR, will be at the wheel for Spire Motorsports, aiming to secure his first series victory and expand his legacy at Daytona with this new collaboration. The Spire Motorsports Daytona partnership brings together a championship-winning driver and a major Florida-based business, promising excitement for racing fans and stakeholders alike.
Michael McDowell Takes on Daytona with Support from a Leading Florida Supplier
McDowell will compete in just his fifth career start in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, piloting the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Spire Motorsports in Florida. Known as the “World Center of Racing,” Daytona International Speedway is where McDowell hopes to add a Truck Series win to his decorated career, already boasting over 500 NASCAR Cup Series starts. Achieving this goal would place him among the select drivers who have posted wins in all three of NASCAR’s national touring series, further elevating his status within the sport.
Tibbetts Lumber Company’s Growth and Core Values
Founded in 1949 by Linton N. Tibbetts, Tibbetts Lumber Company has risen to become the largest independently-owned supplier of lumber and building products in Florida. The company is also a major player among roof and floor truss manufacturers in the Southeast. Employees of Tibbetts Lumber adhere to values focusing on faith, family, professional development, integrity, and stewardship, underpinning the organization’s reputation in the building industry.
“Tibbetts Lumber Co. is thrilled to be the primary sponsor of the Spire Motorsports No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Michael McDowell,”
said Russ Hallenbeck, CEO of Tibbetts Lumber Company.
“Being that we are headquartered in Florida, Daytona International Speedway has become a very special place for us come springtime. We are honored to be teaming up with Spire Motorsports and Michael this February,”
Russ Hallenbeck, CEO of Tibbetts Lumber Company, added.
A Commitment to Service and Community
Tibbetts Lumber has earned the trust of over 5,400 customers, facilitating more than 838,000 deliveries throughout Florida and neighboring regions. The company continues to grow by supporting homebuilders and remodelers with competitive pricing and superior service, strengthening its foothold as a leader in the industry.
Michael McDowell’s Connection with Tibbetts Lumber and Racing Goals
“I have a great deal of respect for the Tibbetts Lumber team,”
said Michael McDowell. He elaborated,
“They’ve helped me on my own property and their team truly combines outstanding service with a high-quality product. It’s special to have them racing with us at Daytona, and earning a win in all three national series is something I’ve wanted to make happen for a long time. I think we’ll have a real opportunity to do that on Friday night in Daytona in our Tibbetts Lumber Chevy Silverado,”
McDowell stated.
McDowell’s Successes at Daytona and Throughout NASCAR
The 2021 Daytona 500 champion has achieved one win, three top-five, and eight top-ten finishes at Daytona International Speedway in NASCAR’s top division. Over his 18-season career, with nearly 540 Cup Series starts, McDowell is widely respected among his peers for his skill and dedication.
Since joining Spire Motorsports, McDowell has continued his pursuit of victory. In the 2025 season, he recorded team milestones such as two pole awards, three top-five results, six top-ten finishes, and captured the team’s first stage victory at the Chicago Street Race in July. The Glendale, Arizona native aims to leverage this momentum at Daytona and deliver a significant result for both Spire Motorsports and Tibbetts Lumber Company.
The Upcoming Race at Daytona International Speedway
This year’s Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway serves as the first of 25 races in the 2026 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Fans can watch the event live on FS1 on Friday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, with radio coverage available on the NASCAR Radio Network and SIRIUS XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
The Spire Motorsports Daytona partnership is set to bring new energy to the track, combining the ambitions of a respected driver, a top-tier racing team, and a leading Florida company. This collaboration not only strengthens ties within the racing and business communities but also symbolizes the ongoing growth and excitement surrounding NASCAR’s truck series.
