NASCAR Fans Left Speculating SHR Drivers’ Fate With Front Row Motorsports Sealing Potential $20 Million Deal with Tony Stewart

The silly season cookie is finally starting to crumble after Stewart-Haas Racing announced their exit from NASCAR racing. This was also a big opportunity for the rest of the Cup team to expand their driver lineup by purchasing the SHR charters. And this is exactly what Front Row Motorsports has done.

FRM is acquiring a third charter and will expand to a three-full-time driver lineup in 2025. Michael McDowell has announced that he is jumping ships for FRM to Spire Motorsports in 2025. Therefore, it leaves the team with only one driver, Todd Gilliland. With two empty seats up for grabs, the community was on a speculation spree online. Even predicting which SHR drivers could find themselves in the new rides at Front Row Motorsports.

Front Row Motorsports under Bob Jenkins always had a vision to expand and grow in NASCAR

The team had three full-time entries in the Cup Series until the end of the 2019 season. Thus, this expansion will see them return to their three full-time race teams in 2025. From a team that began its journey as a part-time team back in 2005, to now gaining more strength with the expansion, Front Row Motorsports is scripting its own unique story.

FRM owner Bob Jenkins, in a statement shared by his team, stated, “Today that means having a plan for expanding back to three cars in the NASCAR Cup Series. I always have the vision to continue to grow and improve our team and that commitment and desire never changes. I am committed to the sport and its passionate fans and partners.”

Jerry Freeze was the one who hinted about FRM’s plans to the Athletic. And now that the news is official, he is looking forward to adding fresh faces and talented individuals to their additional entries. “It is good to get the news out now, as we have a lot of work to do to prepare a new team. All of us on the leadership team will be working through that, obtaining the parts and pieces needed for the new team. And, most importantly, adding to the dedicated and talented staff and culture that exists today within our organization.”

However, the team remained tight-lipped about new driver arrivals to take over the team. But many fans online jumped on the hype train and started predicting which SHR drivers could end up at Front Row Motorsports.

Cole Custer, Josh Berry, or Noah Gragson? Fans have their say

Out of all the former SHR drivers, Chase Briscoe is arguably the best bet for a team like FRM to take over their new entry. Given that McDowell has departed from the team, an experienced driver like Briscoe would add value to the new charter. Making a case for him, a user wrote, “My feeling would have a SHR driver wheeling the 3rd charter…I’ll predict, Chase Briscoe.”

However, others shared a contrasting view of Briscoe’s future team. Given that he is linked with a move to Wood Brothers Racing, he could replace Harrison Burton. Moreover, the likes of Noah Gragson and Xfinity driver Cole Custer might land at FRM. “Custer and Gragson to Front Row confirmed. Think Briscoe takes the 21 from Harrison Burton.”

Meanwhile, some Michael McDowell fans were still sour on FRM for allowing him to leave to join Spire. “Shouldn’t have cut McDowell will be a big mistake.”

Most comments and suggestions were surrounding the SHR Cup driver, but there were a few exceptions. One who thought that Xfinity Series driver Riley Herbst deserved a Cup ride after his long run with SHR. “Everyone’s gonna disagree with this and that’s okay! But I really hope @rileyherbst gets a shot here in the No.36 and then maybe Josh Berry?? or Gragson could take the 34”.

FRM loyalists were rooting for the return of the #36 car to a full-time schedule. Matt Tifft was the only driver who rode the #36 car for a full season back in 2019. Now it serves as the part-time ride for Kaz Grala. “Return of the #36?”

Given how things have panned out with one single announcement, we cannot rule out the involvement of other teams in this saga. Because this is only the beginning of the domino effect sparked by SHR’s NASCAR exit.