Silly Season Rumors – The Ripple Effects of Michael McDowell’s Sudden Switch-Up From Ford

Silly Season for the 2025 Cup Series lineup seems to have already begun, and we’re not even halfway through the current season! Michael McDowell’s shocking exit from Front Row Motorsports left many questions in its wake regarding his future. And although he may have found a new home at the #71 Spire Motorsports garage, McDowell’s move could catalyze a few other changes in the 2025 lineup.

Now that the SHR-FRM merger rumors are picking up pace, it isn’t just Zane Smith and Michael McDowell who seem to be affected. Let’s take a look at what this means for some of NASCAR’s biggest prospects, and how the cookie could crumble in days to come.

Michael McDowell’s move leaves Front Row Motorsports with major work to do

After McDowell announced his departure to Spire Motorsports for 2024, Front Row Motorsports is now left with the #34 Ford Mustang Darkhorse vacant. But according to Eric Estepp, that isn’t all. The insider revealed that FRM may not just have one, but two seats to fill. Whilst it remains to be seen who the replacement for McDowell will be, Estepp shared rumors regarding Cole Custer’s possible signing to FRM.

Estepp shared in his latest video, “I think there is some truth to these wild Stewart Haas Racing rumors. Is it a straight-up merger? I don’t know about that but I told you guys. I’d heard rumors a few weeks back about Cole Custer potentially going to Front Row, perhaps the #34 seat could be his. Front Row could still buy a third charter, they could have the #34 and maybe the #36 full-time next year.” 

It’s no secret that Cole Custer has been making waves in the Xfinity Series lately. With five top-5 finishes so far this season, Custer is one of Stewart-Haas Racing’s most promising talent. If talks of a merger are true, this could give the 26-year-old a fast track to the Cup Series. But speaking of SHR’s promising talent, Estepp believes the pendulum could swing either way. He shared, “Is that a spot for a Josh Berry or a Noah Gragson? That’s just me speculating.” 

Although Estepp also made a case for Ryan Preece, the veteran’s performance as of late would not make him an ideal replacement for Michael McDowell. That leaves one clear winner in Estepp’s eyes. He added, “I still think Cole Custer right now, I don’t want to say makes the most logical sense but that just feels like where this is leaning.” According to the YouTuber, Cole Custer’s strong position in the Ford camp along with his Xfinity Series title certainly makes him an ideal prospect. After all, Custer is the only one other than Berry who has a Cup win in SHR’s lineup.

With that being said, Eric Estepp also highlighted how Zane Smith’s exit from Front Row Motorsports could end up sideling Shane van Gisbergen and Co.

Is Shane van Gisbergen being denied a shot at Cup Series glory?

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So far in his NASCAR debut, Shane van Gisbergen has surprised not just NASCAR fans but the motorsport community at large. From his tantalizing COTA debut to his first-ever altercation, SvG’s had a taste of it all. Still, there’s one step that the Kiwi is eager to take; a full-time shot at the Cup Series. But as things stand with Trackhouse Racing and Spire Motorsports, the newcomer may have to wait it out.

Owing to his stellar rookie season alongside Carson Hocevar, Zane Smith is one of Trackhouse Racing’s best future talents next to Connor Zilisch. Naturally, Eric Estepp believes Trackhouse will do everything to hand him a Cup seat. Unfortunately, this may end up sideling Daniel Suarez despite his stellar win at Atlanta. But that’s not all – the biggest loser may yet be SvG

Eric Estepp started, “What about Shane van Gisbergen?  The guy didn’t move all the way from New Zealand to race the Xfinity series full-time. He wants to go Cup racing sooner rather than later” After all, anytime SvG shows up in the Cup Series, the races are always entertaining, to say the least.  

As things currently stand, a full-time seat in the Cup Series seems unlikely for Shane van Gisbergen. But after his repeated performances, could it perhaps be Zane Smith who gets the short end of the stick?