McDowell to make NASCAR Busch Series debut

Michael McDowell in his first of two Champ Car races in 2005

ARCA RE/MAX Series Rookie of the Year Michael McDowell will make his NASCAR Busch Series debut this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. A former Star Mazda Series champion, McDowell will pilot the No. 00 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota from the Michael Waltrip Racing stable for the final three races of the Busch Series schedule.

McDowell is coming off a four-win season in ARCA, one that earned him second place honors in the series championship standings. He also recently made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Martinsville Speedway.

While McDowell has visited many tracks-thanks in part to his eclectic background of sports car racing, open-wheel racing, and stock cars, this will be his first trek to Texas Motor Speedway. The prospect of making his series debut at the Fort Worth, Texas quad- oval has the Arizona native intrigued:

"I can't wait for this weekend. Anytime you get to race is great but to be making your debut in the Busch Series is extra special," said McDowell. "MWR has prepared an awesome car for this weekend and with the short notice (that I'd be racing) that meant a lot of extra hours for the crew. I have a new crew chief this weekend in Butch (Hylton), so hopefully his experience will speed up my learning curve. I just want to make all the laps and get some seat time at a track that is this fast."