NEW YORK (April 8, 2008) – Michael McDowell was in New York all day fulfilling national media obligations to talk about Friday’s terrifying accident during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying at Texas Motor Speedway. Before departing for the city Sunday night, McDowell handled 500 miles like a pro at the 1.5-mile track. He posted a 33rd place finish in his No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota Camry.

“I started out the race sore and in a little pain, but it wasn’t too bad,” McDowell said. “It didn’t take very long until I felt it. I really want to thank my crew for absolutely everything. They did a great job with what they were faced with on Friday. This is only our second race and we are only in the beginning stages. We are just going to keep plugging away to make our cars better at the 1.5-mile tracks.”

His finish kept his Michael Waltrip Racing team inside the top 35 (28th place) owner points guaranteeing him a starting spot in the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday.

“I feel really bad about the points situation,” said McDowell. “It should be me trying to make the races and not David (Reutimann) because he earned it. I don’t know what happened there, but he was out of the race early at Texas.”

Following the Samsung 500 Sunday, McDowell departed to Statesville (N.C.) with all of Michael Waltrip Racing’s Cup teams to board Michael Waltrip’s King Air for New York. Because McDowell’s accident garnered national attention, he and his wife were invited to the set of The Today Show for an interview with Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira this morning. Afterwards, McDowell went in studio at MSNBC and Inside Edition. Tomorrow, he will travel to Burbank, Calif. to be on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

“My wife and I have had a nice time doing all the shows,” McDowell said. “This has been great exposure for the sport. NASCAR has done a tremendous job in making the cars safe.”

McDowell has enjoyed the whirlwind tour, but more importantly he wants to see his family and friends so that they can see firsthand he is doing fine. This week is a homecoming of sorts for the McDowell’s as they go back to their hometown of Glendale, Arizona. The timing could not be more perfect for him and his family after the weekend they have endured.

“It has been nonstop since Friday,” McDowell said. “We cannot wait to arrive into the Glendale (Ariz.) area to see all of our family and friends. Only Jami and my friend Brian (Hosford) were at the track when the accident happened. I’m so thankful they were there. We’re all looking forward to going back home.”

Live coverage of the Subway Fresh Fit begins at 8 p.m. Eastern on FOX and 8:30 p.m. Eastern on MRN Radio.