Michael McDowell Earns Spire Motorsports Its First-Ever NASCAR Cup Series Pole at Las Vegas 

Las Vegas, NV – March 15, 2025 – In a historic moment for Spire Motorsports, veteran driver Michael McDowell secured the team’s first-ever NASCAR Cup Series pole position at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. McDowell’s blazing lap in qualifying on Saturday stunned many in the garage, marking a significant milestone for both the driver and the emerging race team.

McDowell’s Unlikely Pole Position

McDowell, known for his prowess on superspeedways and road courses, delivered a near-perfect lap at the 1.5-mile Las Vegas oval, clocking in at 29.572 seconds (182.756 mph). His performance edged out some of the sport’s biggest names, securing his first pole position since joining Spire Motorsports ahead of the 2025 season.

“This is huge for our team,” McDowell said after qualifying. “We’ve been working really hard to improve our intermediate track program, and today shows that we’re heading in the right direction. I’m so proud of everyone at Spire Motorsports for making this possible.”

Spire Motorsports, which entered full-time Cup Series competition in 2021, had never previously secured a Cup Series pole. Their best previous starting position came at Daytona and Talladega, where superspeedway dynamics often create unpredictable results. However, this Las Vegas pole signals that Spire is developing a more competitive package beyond drafting tracks.

A Step Forward for Spire Motorsports

Spire Motorsports has steadily grown its presence in NASCAR since purchasing a charter in 2019. The team initially struggled but gained momentum with strategic partnerships and improved equipment. Their acquisition of McDowell, a former Daytona 500 winner, was seen as a move to elevate the organization.

McDowell’s pole-winning performance suggests the team’s investment is paying off. Crew chief Travis Peterson praised the team’s effort:

“We’ve been making gains on our mile-and-a-half program, and we knew we had a good shot at a strong qualifying run. But to grab the pole? That’s just incredible. Michael put down an amazing lap, and our entire team deserves this moment.”

The pole position also reflects Spire’s growing alliance with Hendrick Motorsports, which supplies them with engines and technical support. While Spire remains an independent organization, the Hendrick connection has helped them refine their setups and improve speed at tracks like Las Vegas.

How McDowell Secured the Pole

McDowell’s impressive lap came as part of a two-round qualifying session. After advancing through Round 1, he posted the fastest time in the final session, narrowly beating out Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and William Byron.

McDowell credited the setups and adjustments made throughout the weekend:

“We felt good in practice, but we knew we had to make some small tweaks for qualifying. The car was balanced really well, and I was able to hold it wide open longer than I expected. That’s what made the difference.”

Reactions from the NASCAR Community

McDowell’s pole position sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community, with fellow drivers and analysts applauding his achievement.

Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion, acknowledged McDowell’s progress:

“You have to give credit where it’s due. Spire Motorsports has been working hard to get better, and this shows they’re making real progress. Michael’s a great driver, and it’s cool to see him put them on the pole.”

Longtime NASCAR analyst Dale Earnhardt Jr. also shared his excitement:

“This is a big moment for Spire Motorsports. Getting a pole on a mile-and-a-half track shows they’re serious about competing at a higher level. McDowell has been underrated for a long time, and this just proves he’s still got it.”

What This Means for the Las Vegas Race

Starting from the pole, McDowell will have the best track position heading into Sunday’s Pennzoil 400. However, holding off the Cup Series elite for 400 miles will be a tough challenge. Las Vegas is known for its tire wear and long green-flag runs, making strategy and pit stops crucial.

McDowell has just one NASCAR Cup Series win (the 2021 Daytona 500), but he has frequently been a strong contender at tracks with high-speed momentum racing. If his team can maintain their speed over a long run, McDowell could be in position for another career-defining victory.

McDowell’s Journey to Success

McDowell’s career in NASCAR has been one of perseverance. After struggling in underfunded equipment early in his Cup Series career, he became a respected veteran and found his breakthrough moment with Front Row Motorsports in 2021.

Joining Spire Motorsports in 2025 was seen as a gamble, but McDowell embraced the challenge. His veteran leadership has helped push Spire forward, and now the team is reaping the benefits.

“Every step of my career has been about building something, and that’s what we’re doing here at Spire,” McDowell said. “We know we’re not a top team yet, but days like this prove we can get there.”

Looking Ahead

Spire Motorsports’ pole at Las Vegas signals a new era for the team. With growing resources, better equipment, and a driver like McDowell leading the way, Spire is becoming more competitive.

While a pole doesn’t guarantee a win, it puts McDowell in the best possible position to make a statement in Sunday’s race. If he can convert his qualifying speed into a strong race result, it could mark the beginning of Spire Motorsports’ rise as a legitimate force in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain—Michael McDowell and Spire Motorsports have arrived.