Kaulig Racing’s No. 11 Chevrolet, which has seen a rotation of drivers this season, will feature NASCAR Cup Series driver Michael McDowell in the upcoming Xfinity race at Watkins Glen, marking his first Xfinity start in nine years. This development follows recent changes in the team lineup after Josh Williams was released.
McDowell’s appearance at Watkins Glen highlights the team’s continued strategy of employing multiple drivers behind the wheel of the No. 11 car as they navigate the remainder of the season.
New Drivers Join Kaulig Racing’s No. 11 Lineup
Following McDowell’s announcement, Kaulig Racing has also revealed further driver plans for the No. 11 Chevrolet, including Justin Haley’s scheduled participation at Daytona on August 22. Kaulig continues to rotate talented drivers to optimize results across the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
In addition, Australian Will Brown is set to make his Xfinity Series debut at the Portland race on August 30, driving the same car. This marks Brown’s first attempt in the series after competing for Kaulig in the Cup Series at Chicago, where a crash prematurely ended his race.
Brown, a 27-year-old former Supercars champion from Australia, posted on social media:
Very excited to be racing NASCAR again with Kaulig Racing. Looking forward to having a crack at the Xfinity Series.
—Will Brown, Kaulig Racing Driver
Brown’s prior NASCAR experience includes his Cup Series debut last June at Sonoma, finishing 31st, and his local success as the 2024 Supercars Champion in Australia.
Recent Performance and Team Dynamics in the Xfinity Series
Since Josh Williams’ departure, the No. 11 car has been driven by a series of competitors, with Carson Hocevar achieving a sixth-place finish at Iowa. This showcases Kaulig Racing’s ability to quickly integrate new drivers and maintain competitive performances. The rotating driver lineup creates an evolving dynamic in the Xfinity Series, with several talented individuals gaining opportunities to showcase their skills.
Implications for Kaulig Racing and NASCAR Competitions
The introduction of established Cup Series drivers like Michael McDowell into Xfinity races reflects Kaulig Racing’s approach to strengthening their lineup during a competitive season. With promising talents such as Will Brown joining for the first time, the team is positioning itself for continued success across both NASCAR divisions.
Looking ahead, McDowell’s return to Xfinity and Brown’s debut are expected to draw additional attention to the No. 11 car’s performances, providing valuable experience for the drivers while reinforcing Kaulig Racing’s presence in the sport.