In a sport where milliseconds matter, NASCAR’s elite athletes regularly complete four-tire pit stops in under nine seconds—an incredible display of speed, precision, and teamwork. Off the track, that same level of performance and dedication can be seen in Carolina Handling’s average 1.1-hour response time to breakdown calls, far outpacing the competition and reaffirming its reputation for unmatched service and reliability.
Carolina Handling, a leader in integrated material handling solutions and a key player within the Raymond Solutions network in the Southeast, has announced a new partnership with Spire Motorsports and NASCAR Cup Series driver Michael McDowell. McDowell will pilot the No. 71 Chevrolet ZL1 during the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 19, 2025.
“Carolina Handling is thrilled to partner with Spire Motorsports, an organization that shares our core values of respect, teamwork and innovation,” said Brent Hillabrand, President and CEO of Carolina Handling. “Our affiliation with Spire Motorsports and winning NASCAR driver Michael McDowell gives the Carolina Handling brand significant visibility and offers us the opportunity for dynamic customer, associate and consumer engagement.”
The YellaWood 500 at Talladega is one of the crown jewels on the NASCAR Cup Series calendar. Known for its high-octane, nose-to-tail racing, the 2.66-mile high-banked oval demands precision and strategy, where races can be decided by mere inches.
Veteran driver Michael McDowell, the 2021 Daytona 500 champion, joined Spire Motorsports for the 2025 season, bringing with him 18 years of top-tier NASCAR experience. Under the guidance of crew chief Travis Peterson, McDowell has consistently been a contender on superspeedways. His recent 11th-place finish at Talladega reinforces his status as a driver to watch when the green flag drops.
Carolina Handling’s story began humbly in 1966 with just five associates at a North Carolina gas station. Today, headquartered in Charlotte, the company has grown into a trusted provider of advanced warehouse solutions across the Southeast. Its offerings include forklifts, automation systems, and fleet management services, all tailored to meet the evolving demands of the logistics and supply chain industry.
The synergy between Carolina Handling and NASCAR is evident—both demand speed, precision, innovation, and a relentless commitment to excellence. This partnership with McDowell and Spire Motorsports represents more than a branding opportunity; it’s a celebration of shared values and high-performance standards.
“I think this is the perfect opportunity to showcase how our industries can continue to integrate technology into our workforce with confidence,” said McDowell. “Being able to represent a company that has such a strong tie to the Carolinas is important for not only our industry, but our community as well. I am excited to represent the hardworking men and women of Carolina Handling. It should be a great race at Talladega this fall, and we are looking forward to having them join the Spire team.”
Fans can catch all the action of the YellaWood 500 live on NBC at 2 p.m. EDT on Sunday, October 19. The race will also be broadcast on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. As the 34th event in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, it promises to be a pivotal and electrifying showdown.
