Phoenix, AZ – Michael McDowell’s No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford Mustang has made it to the grid for today’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway, but he will have to drop to the rear before the green flag due to a steering rack issue.
Despite the setback, McDowell and his team have opted for a strategic move, starting the race on primary, harder compound tires.
The adjustment comes after his team had to make repairs to the car’s steering system before the race, prompting NASCAR’s mandate that he start from the back of the field.
While it’s a tough break for the Arizona native, McDowell has shown resilience in past races, often fighting his way through adversity.
The strategic decision to start on the harder tires suggests that his team is looking at a longer first run, hoping to gain track position through tire strategy as the race progresses. This move could play to McDowell’s advantage if long green-flag runs come into play.
RaceDay coverage continues on FS1, with the green flag scheduled for 3:41 p.m. ET. Fans will be watching closely to see how McDowell navigates his way through the field at his home track.
