Spire Motorsports is gearing up for a significant weekend, with drivers Michael McDowell and Carson Hocevar determined to secure victories in multiple national series at Daytona. Both drivers have outlined clear ambitions as they prepare to compete in the Spire Motorsports race advance, aiming to make an impact on one of racing’s most iconic tracks.
Michael McDowell Focused on Achieving Wins Across Series
Michael McDowell, who will be piloting the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado RST, has openly discussed his desire to notch victories in all three major NASCAR series. McDowell acknowledged the challenges he faced last year, noting his inexperience with trucks on superspeedways at the time, but now feels better equipped for success thanks to increased familiarity with the vehicles and race dynamics.
“The CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race is going to be fun. I was a little anxious going into last year, not racing a truck on a superspeedway, and I had not been in a truck for over 10 years. I feel much more confident now, just knowing the shift points, getting through the gears, how the trucks race, and how they draft.”
—Michael McDowell, Driver
In addition to striving for a win, McDowell will debut Tibbetts Lumber as a sponsor on his truck, a partnership that has personal significance for him after collaborating on a home project together. He continues to emphasize the difficulty of winning at this level, yet remains resolute in checking off a victory in each NASCAR national series.
“I am also eager to have Tibbetts Lumber on the truck for the first time. They helped me with a home project, building a new shop onto my house last year, so I am looking forward to having them on the truck and continue to work with them. Daytona is just another opportunity to try to win in all three series, which is a goal of mine. It’s tough to win in any series, any of the national series is tough, but my goal is to check that box for a win in all three series.”
—Michael McDowell, Driver
Crew chief Brian Pattie will oversee strategy from atop the No. 7 team’s box, working to position McDowell for a shot at the checkered flag.
Carson Hocevar Set for Ambitious Triple Duty
Carson Hocevar, taking the wheel for the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado RST, is set for a demanding weekend by competing in three different events. He expressed enthusiasm for maximizing seat time and gathering valuable experience across diverse vehicles.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to run all three. It can’t hurt to be on track. All three vehicles are so different. The Daytona 500 is obviously a very serious moment and there is a lot of pressure surrounding it, but we have two races to have fun and enjoy the experience, all while chasing a trophy. I’m excited to have three shots at it, and excited to kick it off with IKEA and Best Buy Friday night.”
—Carson Hocevar, Driver
Hocevar returns to the truck series at a drafting track for the first time in nearly three years. He recognized the demanding entry list and the competitive atmosphere that mirrors a Cup race, noting that the feel of the trucks may have changed but his anticipation remains undiminished.
“As you can tell from the entry list, this may as well be a Cup race. I’m excited and ready to go. I always liked the drafting tracks in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, but never really got the finishes. It’s been a while, and they will probably drive a little different than I remember, but I am excited and ready to go.”
—Carson Hocevar, Driver
Daytona Race Weekend Highlights Ambitions and Partnerships
The upcoming Spire Motorsports race advance at Daytona offers a compelling stage for both McDowell and Hocevar to chase ambitious goals. With McDowell aiming for wins across all three national series and Hocevar facing a rigorous triple-duty schedule, the weekend is expected to demonstrate the competitive spirit of Spire Motorsports. New partnerships, such as Tibbetts Lumber’s debut and the involvement of brands like IKEA and Best Buy, also signal growth for the team. As the action unfolds, the performances of McDowell, Hocevar, and the entire Spire crew at Daytona will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike.
