Justin Haley has been announced as the unexpected replacement for Michael McDowell in the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway. This change comes ahead of the Wawa 250 scheduled for Saturday, August 22, continuing Kaulig Racing’s trend of enlisting Cup Series drivers for key Xfinity Series events. Haley, a former full-time driver with Kaulig Racing, will take over the No. 11 Chevrolet for this superspeedway race, marking his return to the team after stepping away following the 2023 season.
Michael McDowell’s Recent Xfinity Series Performance
Michael McDowell recently made his return to the Xfinity Series at Watkins Glen International, where he was a strong contender before being involved in a 16-car crash caused by Austin Hill of Richard Childress Racing. McDowell, primarily a full-time Cup Series driver for Spire Motorsports, piloted the No. 11 car for Kaulig Racing—previously driven full-time by Josh Williams until the team parted ways with him in August. The No. 11 Chevrolet has been shared among Spire Motorsports drivers, with Carson Hocevar driving it at Iowa Speedway before McDowell’s appearance.
Justin Haley’s Experience and Track Record
Haley brings experience and success to the Daytona race, having already won two Xfinity Series events at Daytona. In 2023, he competed in five Xfinity races for Kaulig Racing, finishing tenth in his two Daytona starts that year. Along with his Daytona wins, Haley has also achieved victories at Talladega Superspeedway, highlighting his skill as a superspeedway specialist within NASCAR’s second-tier series. His familiarity with the track and past success make him a strong candidate for the upcoming race.
Future Xfinity Series Plans for Kaulig Racing and Spire Drivers
Beyond the Daytona event, there are no confirmed plans for McDowell, Haley, or Carson Hocevar to drive further Xfinity races for Kaulig Racing this season, as the NASCAR playoffs approach. Kaulig Racing has announced that Will Brown will race in next weekend’s road course event at Portland International Raceway, demonstrating a focus on specialized drivers for specific tracks moving forward.
Event Details and Broadcast Information
The Wawa 250 at Daytona International Speedway is set to take place on Saturday, August 22, with live television coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on the CW Network. Fans can access the broadcast through services such as FuboTV to follow the action live as Haley and the rest of the field compete in this key Xfinity Series race.
“McDowell was in the mix for the win before being taken out in a 16-car wreck triggered by an ill-advised moved from Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill as he came out of the carousel to McDowell’s outside.” —Source
“Haley, who has two Xfinity Series wins at Daytona, finished in 10th place in both of his Daytona Xfinity Series starts in 2023.” —Source
“Kaulig Racing have already announced that Will Brown is set to compete in next weekend’s road course race at Portland International Raceway.” —Source
