Daytona 500 Champ Michael McDowell, Returns to Karting Roots

Thursday, March 11, 2021, was deemed, Michael McDowell Day, by the City of Glendale. The Glendale native won NASCARs’ prestigious Daytona 500, his first career NASCAR victory after over 13 years, on February 14, Arizona’s birthday.

His return to Arizona for the Instacart 500has included a road trip with his family across the state, recognition with the local government, then capped off March 11 racing at his proving grounds. McDowell grew up racing at a Glendale karting track managed by the Phoenix Kart Racing Association before becoming a multi-time international champion.

McDowell hopped into a kart and took to the track with local young racers to take some laps on the track that was the foundation of becoming a NASCAR driver at the top level for over a decade.