15th-Place Finish in Daytona 500 Has Team Eager For Talladega
CONCORD, N.C. (April 27, 2016) – The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will switch gears this week, leaving short track racing behind in favor of the high banks of Talladega Superspeedway and Circle Sport-Leavine Family Racing couldn’t be more excited.
After two tough weeks of short track racing, the team is eager to return to a superspeedway track as they will be taking the same car that finished 15th in the Daytona 500.
NASCAR driver Michael McDowell will be behind the wheel of the No. 95 Thrivent Financial Chevrolet SS and has 10 career Cup starts at the 2.66-mile tri-oval. McDowell earned his career-best Talladega finish (15th) in 2013 and secured a driver and team best starting position (6th) at Talladega in 2014.
“We’ve had good results at superspeedways in the past and we’ll have the same car here this weekend that finished strong in Daytona so it should be exciting,” said McDowell. “Switching from short track to restrictor plate racing will be a nice change of pace for our team. I feel like we always have a strong shot at the win at Talladega if we can stay out of trouble.”
Crew chief Dave Winston understands that success at Talladega is equal parts luck and skill.
“If the stars line up correctly and we can make it to the end of the race, we have the potential of a win for this team and McDowell,” explained Winston. “It used to be that setup at Talladega did not matter; it was all about pure speed. I would say that is no longer the case. If you want to make it to the end and have a chance to compete for a win, you need to make sure that the car is secure and can move around in the draft.”
“I have been a part of two superspeedway wins,” he continued. “One at Talladega with Jamie McMurray in 2013 and one Daytona with Greg Biffle in 2003. I do not plan to wait until 2023 for the next one!”
The GEICO 500 will take place on Sunday, May 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET at Talladega Superspeedway. Race fans can follow the team on Twitter at @CSLFR95 for updates.
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About Circle Sport-Leavine Family Racing
Formed in 2016, Joe Falk, owner of Circle Sport Racing and Bob and Sharon Leavine, owners of Leavine Family Racing teamed up to compete in the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season as Circle Sport-Leavine Family Racing. The team fields the No. 95 Chevrolet SS, driven by Michael McDowell as well as Ty Dillon in select races. The team operates out of their Concord, N.C.-based race shop with a veteran group of racing personnel and is driven by several core principals including Value, Integrity, Flexibility, Opportunity, Access and Experience. For more information, please visit www.CSLFR95.com.
