Michael McDowell, Gainbridge, and Spire Motorsports will honor the women who play a key role in North American motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series event at Martinsville Speedway (October 26), partnering with Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA).
From drivers to engineers and executives at the team, track, manufacturer, and corporate sponsor levels, Spire Motorsports and its cornerstone partner Gainbridge will be spotlighting the women who keep North American motorsports moving forward.
WIMNA is a dedicated community that supports women across all disciplines of motorsport, fostering mentorship, advocacy, education, and growth. The organization’s mission is to create an inclusive and resourceful environment that strengthens the sport by empowering women at every level.
“Gainbridge continues to champion the advancement and inclusion of women in motorsports by showcasing its commitment on one of American motorsports’ grandest stages,” said Cindy Sisson, Executive Director of WIMNA. “We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible women who make our industry stronger every day.”
In addition to primary sponsorship of McDowell’s No. 71 Chevrolet at Martinsville Speedway, Gainbridge will also serve as the presenting sponsor of the opening reception at the Women with Drive V – Driven by Mobil 1 Summit, held on December 8 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
“We are proud to partner with Spire Motorsports in highlighting all of the important work being done by WIMNA in advancing opportunities for women across motorsports,” said Mike Nichols, Chief of Sponsorship Strategy and Activation at Gainbridge.
McDowell is in his first season partnering with Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 71 Chevrolet. This season, the Phoenix, Arizona-native has recorded a career-high three top-five finishes and five top-10s, placing him 21st in NASCAR Cup Series point standings with four races left in the 36-race campaign.
“I think WIMNA is such a great organization,” said McDowell. “With my three girls and my wife, Jami, they’ve supported me through everything. I wouldn’t be here without those amazing ladies and my mother. It’s so important to nurture the dreams of our kids, giving them the confidence to pursue whatever their interests draw them to. If that’s motorsports, great, and making sure they can chase that dream with all the tools they need is such an important step in the right direction for women interested in motorsports. I’m thankful for the opportunity to represent Gainbridge and WIMNA. I’m eager to see this expand further than a paint scheme. We’re ready to head to Martinsville, honor the incredible women in North American motorsports, and race for the win.”
The NASCAR Cup Series XFINITY 500 at Martinsville Speedway will take place on Saturday, October 26, at 2:00 PM ET. Coverage of the event will be on NBC, Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
