More Front Row Motorsports News

“It’s Bittersweet”: Michael McDowell Unmasks the Struggles of a NASCAR Driver’s Life With 6-Word Claim

Michael McDowell states his struggle as a NASCAR driver amidst his transition from FRM where he achieved his career highlights.
Michael McDowell NASCAR

Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin Stand Alone as Team Owners Warm-Up to NASCAR’s New Deal

NASCAR has secured support from a team for the new charter agreement, leaving 23XI Racing isolated in opposition.
Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin

Silly Season Rumors – The Ripple Effects of Michael McDowell’s Sudden Switch-Up From Ford

Apart from Front Row Motorsports, Trackhouse Racing may also be affected by Michael McDowell's move to Spire Motorsports in 2025.
NASCAR: Cup Practice

Defending Ford Champ’s Team Comes to His Rescue After a Disappointing Start to 2024 Campaign

Which Ford champion (Ryan Blaney/Ben Rhodes/Cole Custer) splits with crew chief for the 4th in a year and aims for his first win this season?
Ryan Blaney, Ben Rhodes, Cole Custer

Michael McDowell’s Move to Spire Possibly Jeopardizes Shane van Gisbergen’s Cup Series Hopes

Within hours of announcing his departure from FRM, Michael McDowell is back with his 2025 routine with Spire Motorsports.

Michael McDowell Announces Surpise Exit From FRM as Rumors of Tony Stewart Partnership Gains Strength

Michael McDowell makes a bittersweet announcement in his sixth season with FRM, as he prepares to bid adieu to the team.
Tony Stewart & Michael McDowell

“He’s…just a bit sh*tty”- SVG’s Supercars Rival Sounds off on Kansas Altercation as Fans Cite “No Sympathy” for the FRM Star

After having 'fun' at Kansas Speedway in his second Truck Series appearance for ThorSport Racing, Cam Waters is met with a rude-awakening.
NASCAR: Buschy McBusch Race 400

Fuming Fans Question Notorious Truck Star’s NASCAR Talent After “Outlaw” Behavior Threatens a Life at Kansas

Lawless Alan comes under fire from the NASCAR community over his involvement in a freak incident at Kansas which could have ended horribly.
NASCAR: Hollywood Casino 400

Fans Question NASCAR’s Genius After FRM Star Bites Into Deal with $3.12 Billion RC Giant

After NASCAR and Horizon Hobby make an exciting announcement, fans can't help but question Michael McDowell's presence
NASCAR: Daytona 500

Denny Hamlin Exposes NASCAR’s Greed as He Lays Bare the Truth Behind the Charter Negotiations for the Fans

Denny Hamlin has revealed previously undisclosed details about ongoing charter agreement talks, issuing a cautionary note in the process.
NASCAR Cup Series Verizon 200 at the Brickyard – Practice

“I Scr*wed That Up”- Dale Earnhardt Jr Drops Bold Verdict on JR Motorsports Debutee at His Own Expense

Dale Earnhardt Jr supports his former driver for maintaining a calm demeanor and persona, despite earlier criticisms of immaturity.
Celebrities Visit SiriusXM – October 17, 2018

Exclusive: Michael McDowell Reportedly the “Snitch” Who Got NASCAR Team Kicked Out at Talladega

Michael McDowell was perhaps involved in the eviction of the EssentiallySports and Fan Controlled Sports-backed team from the trailer park.
Michael-McDowell

About Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports: 2024 Net Worth, Stats, Owners and More

What is Front Row Motorsports?

If you think NASCAR is only ruled by bigger teams, you are mistaken. Sometimes, even smaller teams succeed in leaving a lasting impression on viewers owing to their humble beginnings and hard-fought path to glory. One of those teams is Front Row Motorsports. While it doesn't have the number or the equipment to compete with larger teams like Hendrick Motorsports or Joe Gibbs Racing, this small team, reportedly with only 60 employees and often second-hand equipment, surely packs a punch.

USA Today via Reuters

The History of Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports reportedly started competing part-time in 2004 as Means-Jenkins Motorsports. The team, later, made its full-time debut in the Cup Series in 2005. The team is owned by Bob Jenkins.

Why is the team named Front Row Motorsports?

Front Row Motorsports was originally named Means-Jenkins Motorsports, as an ode to both of its owner at the time, Jimmy Means and Bob Jenkins. Back then, in 20024, the team ran a part-time Xfinity Series schedule. However, the next year, Bob Jenkins took over the majority ownership of the team and rebranded itself into Front Row Motorsports, perhaps in a bid to express where they wanted to see their team on the grid and the standings.

Front Row Motorsports Net Worth 2024

As of February 2020, according to Forbes, the team had a valuation of around $30 million. Apart from that, they also reported $14 million in winnings, $25 million in revenue. However, as of 2024, that might have increased significantly.

Front Row Motorsports Drivers

Currently, the team fields two full-time and one part-time Cup drivers, Todd Gilliland driving the No. 38, Michael McDowell driving the No. 34 and Kaz Grala driving the No. 36, respectively. Apart from that, it also backs one full-time entry in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Layne Riggs driving the No. 38.

via Getty

While Todd Gilliland joined the team back in 2022, Michael McDowell became a full-time driver for Front Row Motorsports back in 2018, after having competed with the team in one race at the Watkins Glen International, over a decade ago, in 2013.

Kaz Grala joined the team ahead of the 2024 season.

via Getty

As for Layne Riggs, the driver also joined Front Row Motorsports ahead of the 2024 season.

via Getty

Front Row Motorsports Partnerships and Endorsements

The team enjoys a partnership with brands like Ford Performance, startup accelerator company gener8tor, lubricants and penetrants brand B'laster, Love’s RV, dog chew toys company Benebone and Rudebusch Development and Construction among others. Apart from that, compressor manufacturer Quincy Compressor also made its NASCAR debut with the team in 2023 in a three-race primary race schedule with Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 Ford Mustang team.

Front Row Motorsports Major Achievements and Awards

Over the years, Front Row Motorsports have steadily climbed up the ranks with wins and impressive performances. One of its most notable finishes came in 2021 when the veteran Cup Series driver Michael McDowell won the Daytona 500 beating Hendrick Motorsports' Chase Elliott in P2 and Richard Childress Racing's Austin Dillon in P3. He also secured the second position in the Daytona 500 qualifying race in 2024. Apart from that, the #38 driver also gifted another iconic win to the team in 2023 with his Brickyard victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, relegating Chase Elliott to P2 yet again.

USA Today via Reuters

McDowell also reached the playoffs in 2021 and 2023, finishing 16th and 15th in the drivers' standings, respectively.

Front Row Motorsports-Team Penske Technical Alliance

The Bob Jenkins-owned team also enjoys a technical alliance with the Cup Series championship winning team, Team Penske, that began in 2024. Earlier, they had been in partnership with another Cup Series team, RFK Racing, since 2016.

Front Row Motorsports Social Media

While Front Row Motorsports doesn't have an official website, they are quite active on social media.

Social Media: 
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/team_frm/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports/
Twitter https://twitter.com/Team_FRM

 

NameFront Row Motorsports
OwnersBob Jenkins
BaseMooresville, North Carolina
SeriesNASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Race DriversTodd Gilliland, Michael McDowell, Kaz Grala
SponsorsFord Performance, gener8tor, B'laster, Love’s RV, Benebone, Rudebusch Development and Construction, Quincy Compressor
ManufacturerFord
Founded2004
Last Race2024 Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway
ChampionshipsNASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: 1
Race VictoriesTotal: 12

NASCAR Cup Series: 4

Nationwide Series: 0

Truck Series: 8

Net Worth$30 million (As of February 2020)