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Michael McDowell is ready to race |
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This week was a different case for the Glendale, Ariz.-native as he went back home to participate in a two-day NSCS test session at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) behind the wheel of the #44 UPS Toyota Camry, which David Reutimann switches into in Martinsville, Va. when Dale Jarrett steps out.
“We’ve tested every chance available,” McDowell said. “I’m ready to race.”
During Day 1 of the evening test session, McDowell stood out as the Raybestos Rookie of the Year contender settled into the top-15.
“The UPS Toyota Camry was pretty decent in the end,” McDowell said. “The car was just a little bit free and free off on the last run. We’re trying to test as much as we can because I’m still learning. We ended up having a pretty good test today and finished up 15th on the sheet.
“I’ve raced at PIR four or five times and have had some success in other series,” McDowell said. “I’ve competed in the Star Mazda (2004 winner) and Rolex Series here. Last year, I ran a NASCAR Nationwide Series car for MWR and finished 14th. I’m really looking forward to coming back home to race in a Cup car here. It means a lot to me.”
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| MWR NSCS TEST SESSION: PHOENIX, 3/3/08 |
| POS |
NO |
CAR |
DRIVER |
TIME |
| Day 1, Morning Session: |
| 16 |
00A |
Aaron’s Dream Machine
Toyota Camry |
David Reutimann |
27.770 |
| 19 |
44A |
UPS Toyota Camry |
Michael McDowell |
27.850 |
| 23 |
55A |
NAPA AUTO PARTS
Toyota Camry |
Michael Waltrip |
28.078 |
| Day 1, Afternoon Session: |
| 41 |
44A |
UPS Toyota Camry |
Michael McDowell |
28.002 |
| 45 |
00A |
Aaron’s Dream Machine
Toyota Camry |
David Reutimann |
28.032 |
| 49 |
55A |
NAPA AUTO PARTS
Toyota Camry |
Michael Waltrip |
28.060 |
| Day 1, Evening Session: |
| 15 |
44A |
UPS Toyota Camry |
Michael McDowell |
27.785 |
| 49 |
00A |
Aaron’s Dream Machine
Toyota Camry |
David Reutimann |
28.068 |
| 53 |
55A |
NAPA AUTO PARTS
Toyota Camry |
Michael Waltrip |
28.197 |
The Michael Waltrip Racing teams will participate in their final test session at Phoenix International Raceway on Tuesday morning, March 4th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern. |
