After a remarkable journey together, Michael McDowell and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) marked their final race as a team at the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series finale at Phoenix Raceway. The parting of ways comes after years of collaboration, including some of the most memorable moments in both McDowell’s career and FRM’s history.
The End of an Era
Phoenix held special significance for McDowell, a native of Glendale, Arizona. It was a fitting venue for his last race with Front Row, allowing him to close this chapter of his career in front of a home crowd.
Since joining FRM in 2018, McDowell has become the face of the organization, delivering consistent performances and helping elevate the team’s profile in NASCAR’s premier series. Most notably, he claimed an iconic victory in the 2021 Daytona 500, giving Front Row Motorsports its second-ever Cup Series win.
In his final outing with FRM, McDowell brought his trademark determination, giving the team one last solid performance and reflecting the same grit that defined their partnership.
A Legacy of Success
During his time with FRM, McDowell became known as a driver who maximized opportunities, especially on superspeedways and road courses. His ability to deliver results, even with a mid-tier team, won him respect across the NASCAR garage.
Beyond his Daytona 500 triumph, McDowell earned several top-10 finishes and consistently outperformed expectations in an intensely competitive field. His leadership also played a crucial role in developing the team’s younger drivers and crew members.
A Mutual Goodbye
Ahead of the race, McDowell reflected on his time with FRM:
“This team gave me the chance to compete at the highest level, and I’ll always be grateful for the memories we’ve made. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m excited for what the future holds for both of us.”
Front Row Motorsports team owner Bob Jenkins also expressed gratitude:
“Michael has been an incredible ambassador for our team, both on and off the track. His Daytona 500 win will always be a defining moment for Front Row Motorsports. While we’ll miss him, we’re excited to see what’s next for Michael.”
What’s Next?
While McDowell has yet to announce his plans for 2025, speculation is swirling about potential opportunities in the NASCAR Cup or Xfinity Series. Meanwhile, FRM is preparing for a new era, with changes to their driver lineup expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
A Fond Farewell
The final race for McDowell and Front Row Motorsports marked the end of an era, but it also highlighted the impact of their six-year partnership. From underdog victories to career-defining moments, their time together will be remembered as one of resilience and mutual growth.
As McDowell moves on to the next chapter of his career, both he and Front Row Motorsports leave Phoenix with heads held high, ready for the opportunities ahead.
