More Front Row Motorsports News

Michael McDowell Goes Against Kyle Busch As He Slams NASCAR “Lame” Change to an Iconic Track

Michael McDowell expressed his disagreement with Kyle Busch on NASCAR's decision to implement an alteration to a track for its historical value.
Kyle Busch, Michael McDowell

“I Lost My Lead Engineer to Penske” – Michael McDowell Reveals How Billionaire Roger Penske Brought Him the Win

Following his monumental win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Michael McDowell reveals the lesser-known Roger Penske connection that sparked the fire at FRM.
Roger Penske & Michael McDowell

Chase Elliott Calls Out Hendrick Motorsports as He Reveals What Lost Him the Race

Disheartened Chase Elliott talks about the one thing that cost him the race win at Indianapolis as he finished 1 second behind the leader.
NORTH WILKESBORO, NC – MAY 19: Chase Elliott ( 9 Hendrick Motorsports NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet) enters his race car pri

Chase Elliott Reveals the One Thing He Needed to Change His Disappointing Situation

Bogged down by poor performance, Hendrick Motorsport's Chase Elliott revealed the one thing he needed to change for a better outcome.
NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400

Denny Hamlin Believes Underdog Veteran Could Be Joe Gibbs’ Grandson’s Biggest Threat

Amidst the intense playoff battle, Denny Hamlin shed light on his teammate Ty Gibbs' pressure on the playoff and his biggest competitor.
Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs

“Last Sane Race” – NASCAR Analyst Kyle Petty Believes Michigan Is the Last Tactical Race Before Playoffs

Daytona 500: A wildcard; Michigan: The last sane race. NASCAR analyst Kyle Petty shares his take on this weekend's race at the MIS.
NASCAR: Daytona 500

Corey Lajoie Hoping For a Resurgence Season as He Rebuilds Spire Motorsports

Corey Lajoie just made an announcement about the renewal of his partnership with Spire Motorsports, and he's bent on having a resurgent season.
March 26, 2023, Austin, TX, United States of America: COREY LAJOIE (7) is introduced to the fans prior to the EchoPark A

NASCAR Veteran Disappointed by Chase Elliott & Bubba Wallace’s Biggest Roadblock Failing to Capitalize on Golden Chance

Speaking on the NASCAR on NBC podcast, Jeff Burton slams Chase Elliott and Bubba Wallace's rival for his inability to collect crucial points.
Chase Elliott and Bubba Wallace

Dale Earnhardt Jr Snubs Trackhouse Racing as He Warns Their Driver Against Another Force Coming to Beat Him

Dale Earnhardt Jr talks about the final playoff position in the NASCAR Cup Series and puts his bet on the more experienced driver.
Michael McDowell, Daniel Suarez, and Dale Earnhardt Jr

1999 Cup Champ Puts His Money on Underdog Driver as Playoff Stakes Get Brutally Nerving

As the high-stakes playoffs intensify, the 1999 Cup champion places his bet on the underdog driver, in the nerve-wracking competition.
NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Open

Heartbreak for Iconic Driver as 2023 Could Be His Last Season in the NASCAR Cup Series

Hard to believe that the 2021 Daytona 500 winner might be driving in his last season in NASCAR Cup Series.
NASCAR: GEICO 500

“It Was Stinking Intense”: Michael McDowell Details Effect of Playoffs Desperation on Exhilarating Atlanta Finish

Michael McDowell talks about his battle with Daniel Suarez and AJ Allmendinger that heated up even more due to the race for playoffs.
NASCAR: Daytona 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)