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Michael McDowell gets to properly celebrate 2021 Daytona 500 win

JHby:Jonathan Howard•08/26/23•

Jondean25

Michael McDowell Daytona
David TuckerNews-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

While winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 in 2021 was a career-defining moment, Michael McDowell didn’t get to celebrate much. With COVID running rampant during that time, McDowell was by himself in victory lane, just him and the Harley J. Earl trophy.

It was a stark difference from what we see most of the time. Victory Lane, especially at Daytona, is often filled with family, friends, crew, and more. Michael McDowell had to celebrate a little differently when he took home his Crown Jewel victory.

So, NASCAR put something together for McDowell and his family. A little recreation of the 2021 victory lane celebration, how it should have been. Big month for the McDowells as they celebrated this victory soon after watching their dad win at Indianapolis on the road course.

This was kept a secret from Michael McDowell and his family. Media were told to gather in victory lane for the big moment. Nothing like a surprise celebration to get you pumped up and ready to win another one at the World Center of Racing.

While McDowell is locked into the playoffs, he wouldn’t mind another victory at one of NASCAR’s most iconic venues. He’s got the 500, why not go and take the 400-mile race as well?

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Who will join Michael McDowell in playoffs?

A big question heading into the playoffs, who takes that final spot? Right now, Bubba Wallace is in control of the final position in the postseason. That can all change in the blink of an eye due to a wreck or a surprise winner.

Michael McDowell got the job done a couple of weeks ago at Indy. That doesn’t mean that he can just sit back and relax, though. He could enter the playoffs with the fewest points and that would put him behind as he tries to battle for a spot in the Round of 12.

Drivers like Chase Elliott and Ty Gibbs are hoping to see Wallace slip up. If he does, they might be able to take advantage and steal a playoff spot right from underneath the 23 team. Let’s not forget that Elliott is in on the owners championship, but out as far as the drivers championship is concerned.

What chaos awaits us at Daytona for the Coke Zero Sugar 400?