Michael McDowell’s transition to Spire Motorsports this season came with an unexpected twist, a nickname he never saw coming. The 40-year-old veteran, now piloting the No. 71 Chevrolet, found himself dubbed “dad” by younger teammate Justin Haley. But the Daytona 500 winner quickly set boundaries, calling the moniker “really weird” and banning its use.
McDowell’s departure from Front Row Motorsports after seven years placed him alongside Haley (25 years old), Carson Hocevar (22), and Truck Series drivers Rajah Caruth (22) and Andrés Pérez de Lara (20). While embracing mentorship, the Phoenix native insists on balancing camaraderie with professionalism in NASCAR’s high-stakes environment.
Michael McDowell’s Hilarious Shutdown of Justin Haley’s ‘Dad’ Nickname
Haley’s playful jab caught McDowell off guard. “I told Justin Haley he’s not allowed to call me dad because it sounded really weird,” McDowell said, laughing.
“So, that’s off the table now.”
The nickname surfaced early in their partnership, sparking a swift veto. Though lighthearted, the moment underscored McDowell’s preference for leading by action over labels.
The veteran’s approach to mentorship leans on openness, not authority. “I just try to do my thing and hopefully lead by example. … I’m not trying to project or interject on them how they should be or what they should do. They’re going to figure that out on their own,” he said.
“When they have issues or concerns, or if they come to me and say, ‘How would you handle this and how would you walk through that?’ I definitely help, and I like doing that.”
McDowell emphasized individuality while remaining a resource for guidance.
His stance reflects broader priorities. Since joining Spire, McDowell has juggled Cup Series duties with part-time Truck races, including Daytona’s season opener alongside Haley. But his focus stays on performance, both on track and in the team dynamic.
How McDowell Balances Leadership & Laughter at Spire Motorsports
McDowell’s leadership style blends levity with accountability. While shutting down “dad” jokes, he champions collaborative growth. Conversations with teammates often revolve around race strategies and personal challenges, but McDowell avoids overstepping.
“Each one of those guys is so different,” he noted.
The 2021 Daytona 500 winner takes his role seriously, even as he downplays formal mentorship. “I enjoy that aspect,” he said.
“There hasn’t been a lot of situations that have come up that I feel like I’ve had to be like ‘Hey buddy,’ you know, but there’s times where that happens for sure.”
McDowell prioritizes mutual respect, a philosophy honed over 17 full-time Cup seasons.
His return to Truck Series racing adds another layer. Competing sporadically allows McDowell to stay sharp while mentoring Spire’s rising stars. But as Haley learned, even veterans draw lines. For McDowell, leadership means knowing when to laugh and when to say “enough.”
As Spire Motorsports continues its 2025 campaign, McDowell’s mix of humor and humility could prove as critical as horsepower. After all, in NASCAR, chemistry often fuels championships. And sometimes, that starts with shutting down a nickname.
Rodney Childers should go to Richard Childress and be Kyle Busch’s crew chief!!!