Michael McDowell takes issue with Shane van Gisbergen being 'favorite' for Chicago Street Course

This weekend in the Windy City, Michael McDowell and the rest of the Cup Series field will try to take down Shane van Gisbergen. SVG won the inaugural race, and was wrecked out of the second edition. Following his huge win at Mexico City, is the 88 the favorite in NASCAR this Sunday?

When it comes to the Chicago Street Race, anything can happen. With rain and possible sunset restrictions on the race, there can be a lot of wild and wacky things that happen. But, all things being equal, there are probably only five or so drivers fans expect to win this race.

Shane van Gisbergen, AJ Allmendinger, Chase Elliott, Michael McDowell, and Ty Gibbs. You can probably throw Tyler Reddick in there, maybe William Byron, or Chris Buescher. That’s pretty much the list, and SVG is on top.

For Michael McDowell, the SVG hype for Chicago could be a bit premature. He told Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports as much.

“I mean, yes and no. He wasn’t that great there last year,” McDowell said. “You know, I think that he’s had some standout races, there’s no doubt, he’s an amazing talent. But he’s beatable, he’s not unbeatable.”

What about Mexico City? Shane van Gisbergen won by 16 seconds. McDowell thinks the race could have easily played out differently.

“No, it’s just caution fell right for him. I think Ty Gibbs and I would have given him a run for his money,” McDowell continued. “But that doesn’t take away how well he executed and how well his team executed. Qualified on the pole, that was the first step. Controlled the race and was leading when it counted. But you know, the 16-second lead, I restarted 18th on that last restart and drove up into the top five. I think that had I started next to him, he would have had a challenge.”

So, it’s clear how Michael McDowell feels. He sees himself as a real threat to win the Chicago Street Race this weekend. But he’s going to have to do all of the little things right.

Just like he mentioned about SVG at Mexico, qualifying matters, and controlling the race matters. The Chicago race has simply been too chaotic for anyone to have a complete day there over the last two years. But if someone can do it, from qualifying to each stage, nail the pit strategy just right, avoid the untimely caution, then there’s no reason why SVG has to be the favorite.