McDowell, 23, moves into the Michael Waltrip Racing No. 00 Toyota Camry formerly driven by David Reutimann, who takes over the No. 44 for newly retired Dale Jarrett in Sunday’s Goody’s Cool Orange 500 at Martinsville Speedway. For all of the learning McDowell expects to do at NASCAR’s premier level, his sports-car and open-wheel racing résumé and last season’s breakout performance in ARCA suggest a quick study.
“By no means have I underestimated the challenges ahead of me,” said McDowell, who was ARCA’s rookie of the year last season after earning a series-high four wins. “This is the best series in the world with the best drivers. I didn’t come to Michael Waltrip saying that I was ready to drive a Cup car — that’s not how it came together. That was the seat that was available, and we want to build toward the future. I think we know going into it that it’s going to take time for me to get up to speed.
“I know when I get out there I need to get going as quick as possible, but the No. 1 goal is to stay in the top 35 and keep the car in the top 35.”
He’s also hungry to show what he gleaned from racing in those other circuits.
“I am really high on that kid, because no matter what we do, he comes through,” Waltrip said. “Everywhere we go, he puts in miles, he puts in laps, he gives good feedback, he’s fast and he doesn’t run into anything. I’m really looking forward to seeing him get his opportunity.”
His early season was spent atop the spotter’s stand on race weekends, trying to grasp what’s ahead of him.
“We’ve been testing him everywhere we can. He’s got speed, and experience will come with time. I feel like he’ll perform.”
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