McDowell, Gainbridge Partnering with Women in Motorsports North America at Martinsville

Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) will partner with Gainbridge and Michael McDowell to honor women in North American motorsports during the October 26 NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway.

Spire Motorsports and Gainbridge will spotlight women who hold key roles across the sport, including drivers, engineers, and executives at the team, track, manufacturer and corporate sponsor levels.

WIMNA is a dedicated community that supports women across all disciplines of motorsport, fostering mentorship, advocacy, education and growth. The organization’s mission is to create an inclusive and resourceful environment that strengthens the sport by empowering women at every level.

“Gainbridge continues to champion the advancement and inclusion of women in motorsports by showcasing its commitment on one of American motorsports’ grandest stages,” said Cindy Sisson, Executive Director of WIMNA. “We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible women who make our industry stronger every day.”

Gainbridge will also serve as presenting sponsor of the opening reception for the Women with Drive V - Driven by Mobil 1 Summit. The Summit will be held on December 8, 2025 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

“We are proud to partner with Spire Motorsports in highlighting all of the important work being done by WIMNA in advancing opportunities for women across motorsports.” said Mike Nichols, Chief of Sponsorship Strategy and Activation at Gainbridge.

October's NASCAR Cup Series event at Martinsville will be McDowell's 30th start at the venerable Virginia short track. The 2021 Daytona 500 winner made his first career Cup Series start there in 2008, and finished 12th at the track earlier this year.

McDowell is coming off a fifth-place finish in the Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, his third top-five finish of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.

“I think WIMNA is such a great organization,” said McDowell. “With my three girls and my wife, Jami, they’ve supported me through everything. I wouldn’t be here without those amazing ladies and my mother. It’s so important to nurture the dreams of our kids, giving them the confidence to pursue whatever their interests draw them to. If that’s motorsports, great, and making sure they can chase that dream with all the tools they need is such an important step in the right direction for women interested in motorsports.

"I’m thankful for the opportunity to represent Gainbridge and WIMNA. I’m eager to see this expand further than a paint scheme. We’re ready to head to Martinsville, honor the incredible women in North American motorsports and race for the win.”

The Xfinity 500 is scheduled for Sunday, October 26 at 2 p.m. ET at Martinsville Speedway. Coverage of the event will be on NBC, the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

-Photo credit: Spire Motorsports