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McDowell lands part time N'wide ride

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Lee Spencer

Lee Spencer is the senior NASCAR writer for FOXSports.com. She has provided award-winning coverage of auto racing over the last 15 years. Spencer has lent her expertise to both television and radio and is a regular contributor to SiriusXM Radio and the Performance Racing Network.

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Updated Jan 26, 2009 5:06 PM ET
     
 
Michael McDowell has secured a ride with Daugherty/JTG Racing in the No. 47 Toyota in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for half the season. "I'm just happy to have an opportunity to race with Daugherty/JTG Racing," McDowell said. "Being in a Toyota with technical assistance that the manufacturer brings will be a big advantage for us and to show the ability of the team. "For me, it's going to be an opportunity to challenge for wins and challenge for poles and top fives. I had a steep learning curve last year with a new crew chief. But this is a great chance to run well, to show well and move forward." McDowell ran four races between the Craftsman Truck and Nationwide tour in 2007 before being thrust in a Cup ride last year. He inherited the No. 00 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota from David Reutimann at Martinsville six races into the schedule after Dale Jarrett retired. His best finish was 20th at the Richmond race in September. After falling out of the top 35 in owner points and failing to qualify for the Camping World RV 400 at Kansas, he was taken out of the ride. "I'm glad I was thrown in so hard and so fast at the Cup level because it made me learn a lot quickly," McDowell said. "Being able to run almost every week, that seat time was invaluable for what we're about to do. I think I can just jump in and be ready to go." Veteran crew chief Gene Nead will oversee the team, which will have sponsors ICP and Tom's Snacks. Team owner Tad Geschickter says McDowell made a big impression on him last season with the effort the rookie put into his first season on the tour, but admits it was a big jump coming from ARCA to the Sprint Cup Series. Geschickter added that he's "a big believer in the NASCAR Nationwide Series" when it comes to developing talent. "Michael took on a lot last year but it worked out pretty nicely," Geschickter said. "I think the best model is to develop a driver and the sponsor together in (the lower series) and when they're ready for Cup, move them up." Prior to racing in ARCA, McDowell competed in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, Star Mazda Series and Formula Renault as well as a handful of races in Champ Car,
Tagged: David Reutimann, Dale Jarrett, Michael McDowell

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