Gainbridge and Project Zin will partner to serve as co-primary sponsors for Michael McDowell and Spire Motorsports in the annual NASCAR Cup Series event at Sonoma Raceway.
Now in its 15th year, Project Zin will take place on August 15-16 at Bricoleur Vineyards in Sonoma, California. The two-day celebration features dishes and wine pairings from some of the most illustrious chefs and eclectic vintners in the Bay Area.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area and its mission to empower, inspire, and support individuals and families in the Down Syndrome community.
“When our son Brady was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, our world shifted overnight,” said Clay and Carrie Mauritson. “What felt like one of the hardest moments in our lives became one of the greatest blessings. Project Zin is our way of giving back—creating something joyful, purposeful, and rooted in community. It’s a celebration of inclusion and possibility, and we’re so proud to support the incredible work of the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area through this event.”
McDowell is a two-time race-winner in the NASCAR Cup Series, including a victory in the 2021 DAYTONA 500. With more than 17 years of experience at NASCAR’s top level, the Avondale, Arizona-native is one of the most experienced drivers in the field.
The father-of-five and highly accomplished road course driver hasn’t finished outside of the top seven in his last three starts at Sonoma Raceway, including a runner-up finish in last season’s visit to the 1.99-mile road course.
At the halfway point of this season, McDowell has recorded a single top-five, two top-10, and seven top-15 finishes in his first season driving for Spire Motorsports. After 18 races, McDowell sits 22nd in NASCAR Cup Series points, 77 points below the cutline.
“This is a great way to represent an important cause,” said McDowell. “Family is such a substantial part of life — mine especially, right? I’ve got five kids. The impact they’ve had on my life is something I’ll never take for granted, and I always want them to strive for success, no matter what that may be. Teaming up with Gainbridge and Project Zin gives the NASCAR community a chance to reinvest in the programs offered by the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area and make a real difference in the lives of children and families who need support. It’s going to be a special weekend all the way around, and I hope we can put on a good show for them.”
The Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway will take place on Sunday, July 13 at 3:30 pm ET on TNT Sports, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).
