More Front Row Motorsports News

NASCAR Insider Breaks Down the Reality of Stewart Haas Racing Leaving Ford for Honda’s Imminent Arrival

Stewart Haas Racing could be making a manufacturer switch, but as per a NASCAR insider, it's not going to happen instantly.
SHR Announcement

Rumors Around Stewart-Haas Racing Impending Break-Up With Ford More Significant With Recent Outings

While Stewart Haas Racing remains a "Tier 1 program," a projection in its graph is necessary to keep the ball rolling with Ford.
NASCAR: Foxwoods Resort Casino 301

Front Row Motorsports Surprise Leader Finally Gains the Due Respect From Other Drivers

After a clinical performance in Atlanta, Front Row Motorsports is on the course of turning around their fate and snatching their recognition.
NORTH WILKESBORO, NC – MAY 21: Michael McDowell ( 34 Front Row Motorsports Fr8Auctions Ford) spins in turn 4 with Justin

Front Row Motorsports’ Rising Underdog Gives Out a Bitter Reality Check Amidst Meager Expectations

Todd Gilliland's journey with FRM underscores the reality of NASCAR's competitive landscape, balancing progress with challenges & aspirations
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series In It To Win It 200

Fords Continue Their Exceptional Qualifying Form as McDowell and Logano Swap Places for the Front Row

With Michael McDowell securing his first-ever pole position for the Atlanta race, Ford continued to dominate the qualifying races once again.
NASCAR: Cook Out Southern 500

NASCAR Update: Michael McDowell Wins His First Pole at the Ambetter Health 400 in Atlanta

Front Row Motorsport's driver, Michael McDowell has bagged his very first pole position for tomorrow's race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
NASCAR: Cup Practice

Will Ryan Blaney Be Able to Continue His Consistency in the New Ford?

Will the new Mustang Darkhorse carry Ryan Blaney to another Cup Series title, or will the Toyota Camry XSE and Chevy Camaro pull ahead?
NASCAR: Cup Qualifying

FRM’s Path to a Tier One Ford Team Evident As Longtime Sponsor Does the Unthinkable

The stars seem to be lining up for Front Row Motorsports as a long-time sponsor mimics Ford and expands their partnership to new heights.
NASCAR: Daytona 500

Ross Chastain Repays his Debt to Daytona 500 Front Row Driver in Unusual Manner

Discover the drama of NASCAR as Ross Chastain and Michael McDowell's 'Clash' at The Coliseum leads to a unique apology from the "Melon Man."
AUTO: SEP 16 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race

NASCAR News: Frontrow Motorsports Secret Penske Alliance Highlighted in DAYTONA500 Qualifying

Front Row Motorsports has announced it's alliance with Team Penske after extending their partnership with Ford Performance.
NASCAR Cup Series Test

2024 Daytona 500 Qualifying: Watch Joey Logano’s Full Throttle Pole Winning Lap, Edging Past Michael Mcdowell

The 66th running of the Daytona 500 will see two Ford cars on the front row as Joey Logano edged out Michael McDowell to take pole position.
Joey Logano, Michael McDowell

Former Richard Childress Driver Hopes Third Times a Charm as He Prepares for the “Most Stressful Week” in Racing

Kaz Grala sheds light on the nerve-wracking uncertainty and tension-filled lead-up to the grand Daytona showdown.
AUTO: OCT 04 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff – YellaWood 500

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)