Michael McDowell will race the No. 71 Chevrolet at Sonoma Raceway on July 13, featuring prominent branding from Gainbridge and Project Zin in support of Down Syndrome awareness. This collaboration brings attention to a meaningful cause while engaging the NASCAR community ahead of the Toyota / Save Mart 350 event.
Project Zin’s Celebration Aims to Benefit the Down Syndrome Community
Project Zin is a two-day event scheduled for August 15-16 at Bricoleur Vineyards in Sonoma, California, where local chefs and vintners come together to present dishes paired with fine wines. All proceeds from Project Zin will go to the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families affected by Down Syndrome.
The event holds deep personal significance for the Mauritson family, as their son Brady was born with Down Syndrome.
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 of 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.
—Clay and Carrie Mauritson
Michael McDowell’s Role in Advancing the Cause
Joining Spire Motorsports at the start of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, McDowell will proudly promote Gainbridge, Project Zin, and the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area on his vehicle during the Sonoma race weekend. His involvement helps highlight the importance of giving back to communities through motorsport platforms.
McDowell’s recent performances at Sonoma have been strong, with finishes no worse than seventh in his last three appearances, including a runner-up spot last summer driving for Front Row Motorsports.
The experienced father of five boasts over 500 career NASCAR starts, including victories at the 2021 Daytona 500 and the 2023 Indianapolis Road Course.
This is a great way to represent an important cause,
McDowell said.
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 I can put on a good show for them.
—Michael McDowell
Current NASCAR Season Performance and Upcoming Challenges
Through the first half of the 2025 season, McDowell has secured one top-five finish, two top-10s, and seven top-15 results, positioning him 22nd in the Cup Series standings, 77 points shy of qualifying for the playoffs. With only eight races remaining before the postseason, McDowell aims to build momentum at Sonoma to improve his standing.
The Toyota / Save Mart 350 is scheduled for Sunday, July 13 at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on TNT Sports, with radio coverage through Performance Racing Network (PRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Channel 90.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where is Michael McDowell going in 2025?
A. In the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series race at the Chicago Street Course, Michael McDowell will be backed by DePaul University. This information comes from Spire Motorsports.