“That Wasn’t an Option”—Cup Star Comes Clean on the Truth Behind Ditching a $30 Million-Worth NASCAR Team

Big news for Michael McDowell, the 2021 Daytona 500 winner! He’s gearing up for a major career shift (inside NASCAR), but it’s not due to any bad blood or anything. McDowell’s just chasing his dreams. At 39, he’s looking to make the most of his time left racing in the series. Just this Wednesday, he spilled the beans: he’s leaving Front Row Motorsports, which has a net worth of around $30 million, at the end of the NASCAR Cup Series season to join Spire Motorsports’ #71 team, signing on for a few more years starting in 2025.

McDowell’s been behind the wheel of the #34 Ford for Bob Jenkins’ team for the last seven seasons, winning at the 2021 Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course in 2023. That’s quite a career there! But it looks like he felt it was time for a change. But while McDowell is stepping into Zane Smith’s old spot, who’s going to take over for him at FRM?

Michael McDowell opens up about the big decision-making factor 

With the heartfelt statement released by the team announcing the departure of the Arizona native, it was evident that there was no sourness between the two. Despite a good run there with seven seasons and two Cup Series wins under his belt, McDowell apparently wanted a sure thing for his future in racing.

When he chatted with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, McDowell opened up, saying, “I wanted to have some long-term security and have the ability to race for several years to come. And That wasn’t an option at Front Row, so… that kind of opened up my mind and eyes to going and exploring what was available, what was out there.” He admitted that looking for stability was a major driver behind his decision, and it was a big deal for him.

“Yeah, absolutely. And you know, I feel like we’ve… We’re in a spot at Front Row where that’s what I needed and it just wasn’t on the table.” McDowell, who’s been racing since 2008, knows all too well how cutthroat the stock-car world is.

During a talk at the NASCAR Productions Facility with Spire Motorsports President Doug Duchardt, he pointed out, “Motorsports is tough, and you’re never guaranteed tomorrow. So you’re always paying attention to what’s happening in the industry and where the moving and shaking is happening and if there’s opportunity.”

On the other side of it, the reason given by Spire Motorsports president for hiring Michael McDowell was his track record and because he’s got a knack for boosting smaller teams. He’s set to drive their #71 Chevrolet, and they’re pretty stoked about it.

Spire Motorsports has some young blood like Carson Hocevar and Corey LaJoie tearing it up at the Cup level, plus a crew of up-and-comers in their Truck Series. The team president, Duchardt, thinks McDowell could just be the right guy to amp up their game on the track and be a solid mentor for the rookies gunning their engines in NASCAR’s big leagues.

McDowell will also be stepping into the shoes of rookie Zane Smith in the #71 Chevy. Smith jumped from success in the Truck Series to the big show in 2023, and he’s already secured a spot for the 2024 Cup Series. But with him getting replaced in 20245, Smith’s future plans are still up in the air. Then who’s going to take over McDowell’s old ride in the #34 car at Front Row Motorsports? Who are the hot contenders?

Front Row Motorsports will be on the lookout for someone to take over the #34 Ford Mustang

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Back in the day, FRM was just a start-and-park team, but they’ve really stepped up their game. They’ve snagged four wins and have shaped up to be a top-tier Ford squad. Now, with Michael McDowell heading out, they’re at a crossroads. They could either sell their charter or bring in a fresh face to keep #34 on track.

The Cup Series charter scene is pretty hectic these days. Even though McDowell is leaving, it’s pretty unlikely that FRM will sell off their charter. Word on the street, and from folks like Bob Pockrass, is that FRM is actually looking to expand, maybe even snag some more charters, especially with Stewart-Haas Racing possibly downsizing. As for who might get behind the wheel of the #34, a few names are popping up.

• Ryan Preece is on that list. He’s made a name for himself on the short tracks and recently got his shot in the Cup series with Stewart-Haas Racing. But things haven’t been great there, and with some tension brewing and rumors of SHR cutting back, Preece might be eyeing a fresh start with FRM.
• Christian Eckes is another hot prospect. He’s currently killing it in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, sitting second in points with a couple of wins this season alone. But he might be looking to jump ship from a packed Chevy lineup, though he’ll need to rustle up some serious cash for a Cup ride.
• Harrison Burton could also be in the mix, even though his Cup record hasn’t been stellar. But he’s got deep pockets, which could open doors for him, especially since he’s still figuring out his plans for 2025.
• Riley Herbst is another potential name. He’s got solid backing from Monster Energy and even scored a top-10 for FRM at Talladega last fall. He’s not the kind of driver who’ll transform a team, but his connections with FRM and Ford could play in his favor.
• Then there’s Matt DiBenedetto and Kaz Grala [part-time drivers at Rick Ware Racing], who could also be possible candidates.

So, yeah, FRM has some decisions to make on who’s going to be their next #34.