Gainbridge, Project Zin Supporting Michael McDowell at Sonoma

Gainbridge, a multi-year primary partner of NASCAR National Series organization Spire Motorsports, is joining forces with Project Zin to support Michael McDowell and the No. 71 Chevrolet at Sonoma Raceway (July 13).

Project Zin, a two-day celebration that features dishes and wine pairings from some of the top chefs and eclectic vintners in the Bay Area, will be taking place on August 15-16 at Bricoleur Vineyards in Sonoma, California.

All of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area and its mission to empower, inspire, and provide additional support to individuals and families that are within the Down Syndrome community.

It's a cause that has personal significance to the Mauritson family, whose son Brady was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.

"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."

McDowell, who joined Spire Motorsports at the start of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign to drive the No. 71 Chevrolet, will carry branding for Gainbridge, Project Zin, and Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area on board his machine for the event at the Sonoma road course.

In his last three starts at the 1.99-mile course, McDowell has recorded no finish worse than seventh, including a runner-up result in last Summer's running of the race, while driving for Front Row Motorsports.

The father-of-five is one of the most experienced drivers on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit, recording more than 500 career starts. Since joining the series in 2008, McDowell has scored a pair of victories (2021 Daytona 500 and 2023 Indianapolis Road Course).

"This is a great way to represent an important cause," said McDowell. 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."

Throughout the first half of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign, McDowell has recorded a single top-five result (a fifth-place at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez), two top-10 finishes, and seven top-15 results.

With only eight races until the postseason is set to begin, McDowell sits 22nd in NASCAR Cup Series point standings, 77 points below the cutoff to advance into the 16-driver playoffs.

The Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway is set to take place on Sunday, July 13 at 3:30 pm ET on TNT Sports, Performance Racing Network (PRN), and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

Photo: Spire Motorsports