JTG Daugherty Racing add McDowell to lineup

January 28, 2009 (Harrisburg, NC) -- JTG Daugherty Racing is proud to announce Michael McDowell has been signed to compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for the 2009 season. The 24-year-old Phoenix, Ariz. native will drive the#47 Toyota Camry entry owned by Tad and Jodi Geschickter and Brad Daugherty, a former NBA all-star and current ESPN commentator.

"I know that I'm climbing into a competitive program based on JTG's on-track performance," said McDowell" Tad has a great reputation in the garage and has done an excellent job delivering a return to his sponsors."

McDowell brings NASCAR Sprint Cup experience to JTG Daugherty, earning six Rookie of the Race honors in 20 starts during the 2008 season. The 2007 ARCA RE/MAX series Rookie of the Year quickly rose through the NASCAR ranks after getting his start in open-wheel racing, which included the 2004 Star Mazda Series championship and a stint on the now-defunct Champ Car World Series. McDowell last raced in the Nationwide Series in 2007 with Michael Waltrip Racing.

Co-Owner Tad Geschickter added, "We are happy to add Michael to the JTG Daugherty family. He is a promising young driver with a world of talent and we look forward to him consistently running up front. I am convinced that he will be a big part of our future success."J Joining McDowell at JTG Daugherty is new Crew Chief Gene Nead, who previously, was responsible for research and development at TRD-supported Bill Davis Racing. Nead brings significant experience to the #47 team, having won 17 races across NASCAR's three national series since 1992, including a Truck series championship.

The 2008 driver of the #47, Kelly Bires, remains under contract with the team. After running a limited Nationwide schedule in 2007, Bires finished 12th in the 2008 Nationwide Series points standings. The team is actively pursuing sponsorship for Bires and is excited to get him back on track as sponsorship permits.

-credit: jtgr