McDowell Secures Pole at Las Vegas: A Strong Start for NASCAR Weekend

McDowell Secures Pole at Las Vegas: A Strong Start for NASCAR Weekend

Spire Motorsports Driver Claims Top Spot as Cup Series Returns to the Intermediate Circuit

Michael McDowell has made a statement in Las Vegas. The Spire Motorsports driver put together a flawless qualifying run, securing the pole position for the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

This pole marks a milestone for Spire Motorsports, as it is the first in the team’s Cup Series history. For McDowell, however, it’s familiar territory—this is his seventh pole since the start of the 2023 season, tying him with Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson for the second-most in that span.

A Milestone for McDowell and Spire

Heading into Sunday’s race, McDowell sits 15th in the Cup Series standings, eager to capitalize on his front-row start. His ability to deliver in qualifying has been a growing trend, with six previous poles earned under Front Row Motorsports last season.

“You have to hit everything perfectly,” McDowell said after clinching the top spot. “One little mistake and that’s it. I’m proud of the effort that goes into making these cars fast.”

McDowell also acknowledged an ironic twist to his recent success: while he’s managed to grab poles at superspeedways, short tracks, and now intermediates, he’s still missing one from a road course—a discipline where he has historically excelled.

Cup Series Stars Looking to Chase Him Down

While McDowell starts up front, several big names will be looking to track him down. Christopher Bell, who has been on fire with three consecutive victories, will roll off from the 13th position. Bell has been the dominant qualifier in recent seasons, leading the Cup Series with nine poles since 2023.

Meanwhile, drivers like Hamlin and Larson, who are tied with McDowell in pole wins over the past year, will also be looking to make their presence felt.

Everything You Need to Know About the Pennzoil 400

The action unfolds at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a 1.5-mile asphalt oval located just 15 miles from the Strip. Here’s what to expect on race day:

• Race Name: Pennzoil 400
• Date: Sunday, March 16
• Start Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• TV Broadcast: FS1 (Coverage begins at 2 p.m. ET)
• Radio Coverage: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90)
• Race Distance: 400 miles (267 laps)
• Stages:
  • Stage 1: Ends at Lap 80
  • Stage 2: Ends at Lap 165
  • Final Stage: Ends at Lap 267

Can McDowell Convert the Pole Into Victory?

McDowell’s strong qualifying run gives him the best seat in the house for the Pennzoil 400, but the real challenge begins when the green flag drops. With powerhouse teams Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and Team Penske all bringing competitive cars, maintaining the lead will be no easy task.

Regardless of how Sunday plays out, McDowell’s pole-winning performance serves as a reminder that he’s a force to be reckoned with on any track. Now, it’s time to see if he can turn that speed into a trip to Victory Lane.