Michael McDowell announces he's leaving Front Row Motorsports after 2024, expected to land with Spire Motorsports
Michael McDowell has twisted the NASCAR world into a tizzy with an announcement he made on Wednesday, regarding his future in the sport.
The former Daytona 500 champion revealed his longtime relationship with Front Row Motorsports will be ending after the 2024 season. He released a heartfelt statement on the matter, and FOX’s Bob Pockrass confirmed the news.
“Michael McDowell announces he is leaving Front Row after this year,” Pockrass posted on X. “His expected landing spot is Spire (Trackhouse’s Zane Smith is on loan to Spire for this year).”
That’s gigantic news for McDowell, and Spire Motorsports, as well. It’s pretty shocking as well, as McDowell has famously played a huge role in FRM’s success. It’s obviously a tough decision for all involved.
Michael McDowell’s full statement: ‘It’s time for us to embark on the next chapter of our motorsports journey’
Below is Michael McDowell’s full statement regarding the decision to part ways with Front Row Motorsports after the 2024 campaign.
“For the last seven years, l’ve been fortunate to call Front Row Motorsports ‘home.’ Together, we’ve challenged the giants of NASCAR, leaving a mark on the sport that l’m proud to have been a part of. 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 started his statement. “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.
Top 10
- 1
Memphis shakes up CFP
Tigers upsets changes CFP picture
- 2
Charles Woodson
Michigan legend opines on Sherrone Moore
- 3
A Twisted Mess
Big 12 Championship scenarios
- 4Trending
Saban chirped
Big 12 comes after GOAT
- 5Hot
Underranked SEC
Lane Kiffin protests CFP rankings
“To FRM’s loyal and dedicated fanbase, l’m grateful for your messages of encouragement and support during my tenure with the team – it’s been an awesome ride. To the incredible partners that I’ve been privileged to work with, thank you for trusting me to represent each of your companies, both on and off the race track. I wish you all nothing but success for many years to come.
“Lastly, to Bob Jenkins, Jerry Freeze, and all of the men and women at Front Row Motorsports, Ford Performance, and Roush Yates Engines, thank you for your unwavering support over the last seven vears and for allowing me to live out a dream of winning not only the Daytona 500, but the Brickyard as well. I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity.
“Rest assured, there’s still a lot of racing left this season, and I’m fully committed to doing whatever it takes to get FRM another win and another playoff berth. We’re not slowing down until the checkered flag flies in Phoenix. I look forward to continue driving for many years to come and can’t wait to share my
future plans with you all soon.”
Time will tell if it turns out to be the right move for Michael McDowell, Front Row Motorsports and Spire Motorsports, but the rest of the 2024 campaign just took on a whole new look for the No. 34 team.