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

Michael McDowell‘s run at Front Row Motorsports has come to an end with his recent update. However, even though a door has closed, another has opened up for the 2021 Daytona 500 winner. After seven years of emerging from the pits of underdog hell, McDowell is prepared to close the FRM chapter for a new journey in another emerging team.

However, McDowell’s turning fortunes may be closing the door for another driver. Shane Van Gisbergen, who is running a full-time Xfinity schedule for the Trackhouse Racing team, is now at risk of losing his spot. Read on to get the full gist of the story.

Michael McDowell’s 2025 plans are sorted

Within hours of announcing his FRM exit, Michael McDowell has stirred up the NASCAR community with another slice of news. Spire Motorsports will be his 2025 destination, as the team updated on X: “Is it too early to stir up Silly Season? @Mc_Driver will join our 2025 NASCAR Cup Series lineup in the No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with a multi-year deal.”

This comes after Stewart-Haas Racing floated rumors of merging with the now-downsized Front Row Motorsports team. Now Michael McDowell has found a place in Spire, and will probably take the wheel of the No. 71 Chevrolet. Presently fielded by Zane Smith, the No. 71’s charter is owned by Spire Motorsports, as recently confirmed by Bob Pockrass.

But now that McDowell will take over Smith’s ride, where will the latter go? Bob Pockrass again clarified this query, as Zane Smith looks to replace Shane Van Gisbergen‘s current place in Trackhouse Racing. Pockrass tweeted: “Smith will likely be in a Cup car at Trackhouse next year. Still TBD if SVG is full-time Cup next year or does another mixed schedule. Obviously Trackhouse is working with Kaulig this year so how that relationship develops and if any charter movement TBD.”

Now the Kiwi driver has enough reason to be sad, especially after another depressing update in his 2024 NASCAR season.

Gisbergen was neglected for All-Star Race

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Shane van Gisbergen scripted history when he collected the Chicago trophy at his debut Cup race last year. That race also sealed his place in the All-Star Race in 2024. But sadly, the New Zealand racer finds himself without a spot to compete at North Wilkesboro. Racer updated the situation on X: “Shane van Gisbergen will miss NASCAR’s All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro because neither Trackhouse nor Kaulig will field an entry for him. The New Zealander gained eligibility for the race when he won on his Cup Series debut in Chicago last year.”

Both Trackhouse and Kaulig are evidently busy fielding other racers. Trackhouse Racing’s two cars are locked into the race, as Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain already secured their places with wins. Meanwhile, Daniel Hemric will drive Kaulig Racing’s No. 31 car in the All-Star open. Kaulig’s rotational No. 16 will be driven in the main event by AJ Allmendinger, whose win late in 2023 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL secured his eligibility.

Now that Michael McDowell’s 2025 ticket has thrown Shane van Gisbergen’s future prospects into question, the Kiwi has more reason to worry.