More Front Row Motorsports News

Michael McDowell Rubbishes Accusations of Heckling Cup Rookie Amid ‘Kick in the Stomach’ by Trackhouse

Veteran NASCAR driver Michael McDowell shed light on his post race confrontation with the rookie driver Zane Smith at Watkins Glen.
NASCAR: Cup Practice

Michael Jordan and Co’s Stubbornness to Potentially Cost Them a Heft Paycut if NASCAR Doesn’t Budge

The 23XI holds out from signing the new charter deal. NASCAR Insider dwells on the possible consequences awaiting 23XI racing.
Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin

More Drama at the Glen as Michael McDowell Confronts Cup Rookie After On-Track Scuffle

Despite grabbling the charge at the Watkins Glen for a few laps, Michael McDowell lost his speed due to factors like a determined rookie.
Michael McDowell NASCAR

NASCAR Rumor: Brad Keselowski Saving SHR Star’s Future Amid Potential Corey LaJoie Redemption Leaves Fans Puzzled

The third charter requirement of RFK Racing can be fulfilled by Rick Ware Racing, while Corey LaJoie can be inducted in a part-time capacity.
Brad Keselowski, Corey LaJoie

Despite Michael Jordan Looking Out for Rick Hendrick and Co., NASCAR Behemoths Leave Him Fighting Alone

Rick Hendrick chose to side with his 40-decade-long legacy instead of siding with the younger teams' demands in NASCAR.
Rick Hendrick, Michael Jordan, Joe Gibbs

Rick Hendrick Drops 4-Word Verdict on Alienating Michael Jordan & Co. Amidst Charter Signing

After most teams shockingly signed NASCAR's 6-hour ultimatum charter deal, Rick Hendrick reveals why while betraying Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan, Rick Hendrick

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Shocked by Teams’ Disunity Weakening Denny Hamlin & Michael Jordan’s Charter Battle

After two years of constant deliberation, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a little surprised at how fast teams yielded under NASCAR's pressure.
Denny Hamlin, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Michael Jordan

23XI and Front Row Stand Alone Against the France Family’s Monopoly With Teams More Divided Than Ever

After two teams vehemently opposed NASCAR's charter deal, an expert revealed the huge gap between their ideals and NASCAR's.
Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, Jim France

Team Owners’ ‘Fear of Retribution’ Behind Lack of Michael Jordan’s Supporters in Charter War, Claims NASCAR Insider

A NASCAR insider talks about the pressure that the team owners were in and Michael Jordan's team's sole resistance to NASCAR's unilateralism.
AUTO: JUN 24 NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400

“They Put a Gun to Our Head”- Cup Team Owner Exposes NASCAR’s Cruel Charter Play Amid Fears of Dire Repercussions

The charter debate goes on! While some teams gave in to NASCAR's tight deadline to sign the charter, two teams opposed NASCAR, being forceful.
NASCAR: Shriners Children’s 500

Chris Buescher Avoiding NASCAR’s Wrath Amid Talks of Intentional Hooking Gets Fandom’s Nod

Fans applaud NASCAR's decision to let a heated Darlington incident slide, embracing the sport's organic racing spirit.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Practice & Qualifying Jul 22, 2023; Long Pond, Pennsylvania, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver C

NASCAR Rumors: Zane Smith Set to Join Front Row Motorsports as Riley Herbst Bags Cup Ride, Claims Insider

With Xfinity star Riley Herbst going to Cup, Zane Smith may also land a Cup ride after he lost his existing one at Trackhouse.

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)