NASCAR Driver Michael McDowell Leaving Front Row Motorsports, Will Join Spire Motorsports in 2025
UPDATE: Following the publication of the story below, Spire Motorsports confirmed that it has signed McDowell to a multi-year contract to drive the No. 71 car currently driven by Zane Smith that starts in 2025. Smith is currently under contract with Trackhouse Racing and drives for Spire as part of an alliance between the two teams.
Front Row Motorsports driver Michael McDowell has announced that he is leaving the team at the end of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season.
McDowell has been with the Front Row since 2018, picking up wins at the 2021 Daytona 500 and last year’s Verizon 200 at the Brickyard. He qualified on pole position for this year’s Geico 500 at Talladega Superspeedway and put on a masterclass of blocking in the closing laps, before clipping the front of Brad Keselowski’s car just before the finish line and wrecking.
The 39-year-old released a statement that 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.”
McDowell thanked the team and its partners, but didn’t confirm what’s next for his career, saying only that “I look forward to continue driving for many years to come and can’t wait to share my future plans with you all soon.”
McDowell got his start in karts and open wheel cars and has also raced in several sports cars series events over the years.
“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,” Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins said in a team release.
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“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. We’re sad to see Michael leave, 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.â€
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