NASCAR Cup star confirmed for Truck Series start ahead of Daytona 500

NASCAR veteran Michael McDowell is set for a busy opening weekend to the 2026 season, performing double duties at Daytona.

Although McDowell and his Cup Series colleagues will take to Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on February 1, that is only an exhibition, with the official 2026 championship getting underway a fortnight later at Daytona International Speedway.

All three national NASCAR series will be in action that weekend, with McDowell now confirmed to be piloting the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado in the Truck Series, alongside his usual duties in the No. 71 Chevrolet in the Cup Series.

Partnering with Spire Motorsports for McDowell's Truck Series outing will be Tibbetts Lumber Company - the largest independently-owned lumber and building materials supplier in Florida, according to the team statement.

NASCAR TODAY: Brad Keselowski issues retirement update as Cup Series swap confirmed

McDowell targeting Daytona win

Although McDowell has 537 Cup Series starts under his belt - including a stunning win at the Daytona 500 in 2021 - he has only raced in the Truck Series on four occasions previously and is so far winless.

His best result was a P12 at Atlanta last season, but he's made it clear that he's targeting a victory on his fifth series start, which would mean he's tasted victory in all three national NASCAR series.

“I have a great deal of respect for the Tibbetts Lumber team,” said McDowell. “They’ve helped me on my own property and their team truly combines outstanding service with a high-quality product.

"It’s special to have them racing with us at Daytona, and earning a win in all three national series is something I’ve wanted to make happen for a long time.

"I think we’ll have a real opportunity to do that on Friday night in Daytona in our Tibbetts Lumber Chevy Silverado.”

Elsewhere, CEO of Tibbetts Lumber Company, Russ Hallenbeck, added: “Tibbetts Lumber Co. is thrilled to be the primary sponsor of the Spire Motorsports No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Michael McDowell.

“Being that we are headquartered in Florida, Daytona International Speedway has become a very special place for us come springtime.

"We are honored to be teaming up with Spire Motorsports and Michael this February.”