NASCAR star opens up on pressure with playoffs looming

A NASCAR Cup Series veteran has admitted that he's feeling the heat, ahead of Sunday's Chicago Street Race.

Michael McDowell has only won twice in over 500 appearances in the series, but has a chance to add a third and lock himself into the playoffs on Sunday in the Windy City.

The 40-year-old qualified second behind only road course master Shane van Gisbergen, with his Spire Motorsports team-mate Carson Hocevar right behind him in third.

He insisted that this weekend isn't his only chance to lock down a spot in the postseason, especially with Sonoma coming up next week, but didn't deny that the pressure's on.

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McDowell: This is what makes NASCAR fun

Speaking ahead of qualifying on Saturday, he said: “I feel the pressure. I know what I have to do. I know what I was hired to do, and I just have to go out there and do it. And sometimes you do, sometimes you don’t, and that’s what makes sports fun and makes a career fun, and that’s what makes the ups and downs worth it.”

He continued: “We know that we need a win, and a win gets you in the playoffs. So, that’s always in the back of your mind, and as you get further into the schedule, you know those opportunities are becoming less and less.

"But I’ve dealt with that in the past, and I’ve been in that spot in the past. I think you do your job well and stay locked in, and take it week by week, and try to get the best result you can, knowing that this weekend is important.

“This weekend is important, but if it doesn’t work out this weekend, we have Sonoma. That is going to be important, too.”

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