Phoenix native McDowell grabs top-20 Nationwide finish in hometown race

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 12, 2010) –Glendale native Michael McDowell returned home to compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Phoenix International Raceway on Friday night in front of family and friends. He didn’t disappoint, qualifying a season-best 11th and finishing 18th in his Roto-Rooter Dodge.

The finish tied a season-best score by MacDonald Motorsports at Bristol Motor Speedway.

After starting the Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 in 11th, McDowell ran in the top 15 until a flat left front tire forced him to bring his No. 81 down pit road under green flag conditions. The Roto-Rooter Dodge lost two laps in the process.

McDowell put himself in position to make up both laps and come home with an 18th-place finish.

“As a team we needed this,” said McDowell. “We needed a solid finish with no damage and we got it. The Roto-Rooter Dodge was fast – we’re unloading great every week now – and we were able to get those laps back after the left-front [tire] went down. I’m very impressed with the improvement of the team and their ability to bounce back from adversity.”