Veteran NASCAR driver Michael McDowell is set to celebrate his 500th NASCAR Cup Series start in the upcoming race at Martinsville Speedway.

In 2008, McDowell made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Martinsville Speedway, driving for Michael Waltrip Racing, an event marked by a 34th-place start and a commendable 26th-place finish despite encountering a flat tire towards the end of the race. He overcame early career challenges, such as the memorable crash during qualifying for the 2008 Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, from which he miraculously walked away unscathed.

Throughout his career, McDowell has steadily built a reputation for reliability and consistency. A highlight of his impressive career came with his victory in the 2021 Daytona 500. Additionally, in 2017, McDowell posted career-best results, including a 4th place finish in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona.

For the current season, McDowell drives the number 34 I see Mustang for Front Row Motorsports, a partnership that has fostered consistent performance over six consecutive seasons. The upcoming Benebone-sponsored race car was last seen during the Watkins Glen International race, where McDowell finished 7th. McDowell commented:

“It’s pretty special to make my 500th career Cup start and to reach such a big milestone in my career. Martinsville was where I got my first start in 2008, so it’s great to come full circle this weekend. I just want to thank everyone who has been a part of this journey – team owners, sponsors and fans – who have supported me all these years.

“It’s great to have Benebone back in the car this weekend. We’ve run well every time they’ve been in the Ford Mustang Dark Horse this season, so we’ll try to keep the momentum going at Martinsville.”

McDowell’s milestone marks him as the 47th driver in NASCAR history to earn 500 career starts, joining an elite group that includes current drivers such as Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr., Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski.

Crew chief Travis Peterson also commented on the next stage, stating:

“For anyone to have competed in the sport as long as Michael has, it’s pretty remarkable, especially with some of the names he’s been included with. It’s a tremendous honor to be in the pits for his 500th start and I know the team is excited for you to be part of this milestone.”

The NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 race is scheduled for Sunday, November 3 at 2:00 pm ET.