Gainbridge, a longtime primary partner of Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR National Series, is joining forces with Project Zin to support Michael McDowell and his No. 71 Chevrolet during the upcoming Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on July 13. This partnership highlights both McDowell’s competitive presence and the charitable mission tied to Project Zin, aiming to raise awareness and funds for the Down Syndrome community.
Project Zin’s Celebration Honors Bay Area Chefs and Vintners While Supporting a Meaningful Cause
Project Zin is a two-day event scheduled for August 15-16 at Bricoleur Vineyards in Sonoma, California, featuring an exclusive lineup of food and wine pairings crafted by leading chefs and vintners from the Bay Area. The celebration will channel all proceeds toward the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area, an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals and families affected by Down Syndrome.
The event holds deep personal meaning for the Mauritson family, who have a firsthand connection to the cause. Their son Brady was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, inspiring the creation of Project Zin to foster community and joy around this important mission.
When our son Brady was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, our world shifted overnight,
said Clay and Carrie Mauritson.
What felt like one of the hardest moments of our lives became one of the greatest blessings. Project Zin is our way of giving back — creating something joyful, purposeful, and rooted in community.
It’s a celebration of inclusion and possibility, and we’re so proud to support the incredible work of the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area through this event.
—Clay and Carrie Mauritson
Michael McDowell Showcases Support for Down Syndrome Connection While Racing at Sonoma
For the Sonoma race, McDowell will display branding from Gainbridge, Project Zin, and the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area on his No. 71 Chevrolet. Since joining Spire Motorsports at the start of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, McDowell has been a consistent competitor on the track.
McDowell’s recent record at Sonoma Raceway is notable, with no finishes below seventh place in his last three races there, including a second-place result last summer while driving for Front Row Motorsports. Known as a seasoned NASCAR veteran with more than 500 career starts, McDowell has secured two victories since entering the Cup Series in 2008, including the prestigious 2021 Daytona 500 and the 2023 Indianapolis Road Course race.
This is a great way to represent an important cause,
McDowell shared.
Family is such a substantial part of life — mine especially, right? I’ve got five kids. The impact they’ve had on my life is something I’ll never take for granted, and I always want them to strive for success, no matter what that may be.
Teaming up with Gainbridge and Project Zin gives the NASCAR community a chance to reinvest in the programs offered by the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area and make a real difference in the lives of children and families who need support. It’s going to be a special weekend all the way around, and I hope I can put on a good show for them.
—Michael McDowell
McDowell’s Performance and Standings Ahead of Sonoma Race
During the first half of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, McDowell has achieved a top-five finish with a fifth place at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, recorded two top-10s, and seven top-15s. Currently, he is 22nd in the Cup Series point standings, sitting 77 points behind the playoff cutoff, with eight races remaining before the postseason commences.
Upcoming Race Broadcast Details and Expectations
The Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway will take place on Sunday, July 13, beginning at 3:30 pm ET. The race will be broadcast on TNT Sports, with radio coverage by the Performance Racing Network (PRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90). This event not only marks a pivotal moment in the NASCAR Cup Series but also serves as a platform to amplify support for the Down Syndrome community through McDowell and his partners.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where is Michael McDowell going in 2025?
A. DePaul University is set to support Michael McDowell in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series event at the Chicago Street Course. The image comes from Spire Motorsports.
