Michael McDowell was on the verge of securing just his third top-five finish at Watkins Glen last weekend, a milestone that would have been significant for the seasoned driver, especially after failing to make the playoffs. However, what seemed like a solid day at the challenging 2.45-mile road course quickly turned chaotic in the final moments of the race. With only one lap left, McDowell found himself caught up in the frenzy that often unfolds in these high-stakes, aggressive races.
In a surprising twist, it was Zane Smith, a young driver, who dashed McDowell’s hopes of a top-five finish on the last lap. The event, known as *Go Bowling at the Glen*, lived up to its reputation as a wildcard race, filled with unexpected turns and fierce competition. Drivers were pushing their limits, and in a bid to make a name for himself, Smith bumped McDowell’s #34 car out of contention, ultimately finishing the race in fifth place.
Unsurprisingly, McDowell wasn’t happy about being muscled out of his position on the final lap. After crossing the finish line in seventh place, he immediately approached Smith to discuss the incident. Though McDowell seemed animated and passionate in his conversation with the young driver, it wasn’t an angry confrontation. There was no bad blood between them, and McDowell made it clear that he understood why Smith had been so aggressive in the final moments of the race.
Typically, McDowell isn’t the type to engage in post-race confrontations or theatrics, so his decision to address Smith caught some people off guard. While it may have appeared that McDowell was angry or attempting to intimidate Smith, in reality, the two were simply having a candid discussion about what had happened on the track.
McDowell later shared his side of the story, explaining the sequence of events that led to the late-race clash. “Zane and I had just a normal conversation,” McDowell said, downplaying the tension. “I haven’t seen the video of our interaction, but neither one of us were heated. It was no big deal, just a racing incident. He drove into my door, and then on the rest of the lap, coming into turn seven before the checkered flag, he squared me up and knocked me out of the lane to take the spot.”
Zane Smith, who is currently in a tough spot with his career, was likely feeling the pressure to perform at Watkins Glen. At just 25 years old, Smith is auditioning for new opportunities after his deal with Trackhouse Racing fell through. Despite signing what he thought was a long-term contract with the team, Smith now finds himself without a secure Cup ride for the next season. For the time being, he’s on loan to Spire Motorsports, but he knows his time there is limited—he’ll be replaced by none other than McDowell next season. Smith’s situation is understandably tense, as he’s racing to prove his worth and secure a future in the Cup Series.
McDowell, having been in similar situations throughout his career, could empathize with Smith’s predicament. The veteran driver knows all too well what it feels like to fight for survival at the Cup level, especially when the future is uncertain. Reflecting on Smith’s aggressive move, McDowell said, “I mean, the guy has been kicked in the stomach, right? He lost his Cup ride, even though he signed a long-term deal that turned out to be not so long-term. I totally understand that. I’ve lived that.”
McDowell’s comments highlight the often harsh realities of the racing world, where drivers must constantly prove themselves and fight for their place. Smith, knowing that his future is uncertain, was clearly willing to take risks in order to stand out and show that he belongs in the Cup Series. While his bump-and-run maneuver may have cost McDowell a top-five finish, it was also a reminder of just how competitive and cutthroat the sport can be.
In the end, the incident at Watkins Glen was just another chapter in the story of two drivers at different stages of their careers—one a seasoned veteran trying to maintain his place, and the other a young talent fighting to secure his future. For McDowell, the loss of a top-five finish was disappointing, but he could understand Smith’s desperation. After all, McDowell has been there himself, and he knows the stakes all too well.
Ultimately, racing is a game of inches, and sometimes, those inches come at the cost of another driver’s position. Smith’s bold move may have ruffled some feathers, but it was a calculated risk born out of necessity. Both drivers left Watkins Glen with their heads held high—McDowell, for his maturity and understanding, and Smith, for seizing the opportunity when it mattered most.
Michael McDowell Dismisses Claims of Heckling Cup Newcomer Following ‘Kick in the Stomach’ Incident with Trackhouse.
