NASCAR driver Michael McDowell has found a new home. The 39-year-old native of Phoenix, Arizona has been racing in NASCAR’s Cup series since 2008 and full time since 2017. He has raced with Front Row Motorsports since 2018, and that partnership will end after this season.
Spire
Spire
Motorsports announced hours later that McDowell has agreed to a multi-year contract with the team to drive the team’s No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series beginning with the 2025 season.
“Over half of my NASCAR Cup Series starts have been made under the FRM banner, and I’m thankful for each and every one of them,” McDowell said in a statement posted to social media. “With that being said, my family and I have made the bittersweet decision that it’s time for us to embark on the next chapter of our motorsports journey, making 2024 my final season as the driver of the No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Front Row Motorsports.”
During his time with Front Row McDowell and the team have showed steady improvement. Both of his Cup series wins, including the 2021 Daytona 500 have come behind the wheel of a Front Row car. The season he scored his first two career poles and has three top 10 finishes in 12 races to date. He’s also made NASCAR’s Playoffs in two of the last three seasons finishing a career best 15th in the final driver standings last year.
Earlier this year McDowell spoke to Forbes and credited much of that improvement to the parity brought about due to NASCAR’s Next Gen car which debuted in 2022.
“That definitely moved the needle,” he said. “To, okay, how do we run top 10 more consistently? Alright, now how do we have top five speeds so we can challenge for wins? …those expectations have yet slowly increased every year over the last three years.
“I feel like for us now we’re at a spot at Front Row where we expect to win a race a year. We expect to point our way into the playoffs. And anything less than that would be a disappointment.”
Shortly after McDowell posted his statement the team posted a response from FRM owner Bob Jenkins:
“We thank Michael for all he has done during his time as a driver at Front Row Motorsports. His 2021 Daytona 500 victory, a dominant win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and two appearances in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs set a new standard for our organization. He became the leader of his team and the organization. Outside the car, he was the model for a driver we want to represent us and our partners.”
McDowell’s departure wasn’t expected and seems to have been initiated on the driver’s part. The team release opened by saying, “After seven seasons with Front Row Motorsports (FRM), Michael McDowell has announced he will leave FRM at the end of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season.”
McDowell himself left no doubt that he will be racing in 2025 and beyond.
“I look forward to continue driving for many years to come and can’t wait to share my future plans with you all soon,” his statement read.
He revealed those future plans hours later with the announcement from Spire where he will be teamed with veteran Corey LaJoie and Carson Hocevar.
“This is a new chapter for my family and me, and we’re incredibly thankful for the opportunity that’s in front of us,” said McDowell. “It’s going to take some hard work, but I feel like everything is in place for us to be successful as a race team — to win races and contend for championships. People are the greatest asset to any organization, and with Spire’s vision, ambition, knowledge, and dedication, we will achieve great things. Failure is not an option, and that’s the mindset that it will take to achieve our goals.”
Who will replace McDowell remains uncertain. Wednesday the team gave no indication that a replacement is in the works with both McDowell and the team saying they are focused on the rest of the 2024 season together, their last.
“We’re sad to see Michael leave,” Jenkins said. “But wish him, Jami and his family nothing but the best as he moves on to another chapter of what is already an incredible racing career.”
As for Spire they will continue to field the No. 71 this season.
“Michael McDowell is a proven winner and brings a NASCAR Playoff pedigree,” said Spire Motorsports president Doug Duchardt. “Michael has always been committed to elevate his teams. His experience and enthusiasm are a perfect fit for Spire Motorsports, and we are sure he will be a great teammate to both Carey LaJoie and Carson Hocevar. We’re thrilled to keep up the positive momentum by adding someone as accomplished as Michael to our driver lineup.
“Our 2024 plan for the No. 71 team remains unchanged. Spire Motorsports fully supports Zane Smith and Stephan Doran. We remain committed to the success of our collaboration with Trackhouse. That team is just beginning to realize its potential. We’re looking forward to seeing how the Rookie of the Year battle plays out between Zane and Carson.”
