The old saying of “with the victor comes the spoils” couldn’t have rung more true for Front Row Motorsports’ Michael McDowell.
After winning the 63rd-annual Daytona 500 in thrilling fashion, and attending various media obligations and ceremonies, the Arizona driver finally flew home to North Carolina Monday afternoon.
Wheels up from @DAYTONA with one extra passenger! ? pic.twitter.com/AHoUl5jsDN
— Michael McDowell (@Mc_Driver) February 15, 2021
Upon arriving home, he was welcomed back to the Concord area by his children, his wife Jami, and multiple NASCAR drivers to congratulate him on his first Cup Series win.
Welcome home @NASCAR #Daytona500 Champ @Mc_Driver ?????@BlakeKochRacing @tydillon @HaleyKDillon @Team_FRM #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/Pl31pS93Kl
— Wendy Venturini (@WendyVenturini) February 15, 2021
Wendy Venturini of the Performance Racing Network was there as family and friends welcomed the newest Daytona 500 champion home. NASCAR drivers Blake Koch, Ty Dillon, and Aric Almirola were also present for McDowell’s welcome home. Almirola had been involved in the Lap 14 accident early in the Daytona 500, and Dillon failed to race his way into the season opener.
McDowell walked in smiling with the Harley J. Earl trophy in hand, and his brand new Daytona 500 winning-ring on his hand.
Trophy & ring pics at the Concord airfield with #Daytona500 Champ @Mc_Driver ! ?My son whipped up these @LovesTravelStop signs for “Mr. Mike” ????????? Trace McD with dad’s ring! @LonnieClouse @tydillon @Aric_Almirola @BlakeKochRacing @Jarrad_Egert @nascar @Team_FRM pic.twitter.com/YG4CWwnvmP
— Wendy Venturini (@WendyVenturini) February 15, 2021
McDowell led only a single lap on his way to his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series win after fellow Ford drivers Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski crashed entering turn three on the final lap.
This marks the third career win for Front Row Motorsports and their second on a superspeedway.
