Michael McDowell and Front Row Motorsports announced Wednesday that McDowell will not return to the organization next season.
“For the last seven years, I’ve been fortunate to call Front Row Motorsports ‘home,’” McDowell started in a post on X. “Together, we’ve challenged the giants of NASCAR, leaving a mark on the sport that I’m proud to have been a part of. Over half of my NASCAR Cup Series starts have been made over the FRM banner, and I’m thankful for each and every one of them. With that being said, my family and I have made the bittersweet decision that it’s time for us to embark on the next chapter of our motorsports journey, making 2024 my final season as the driver of the No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Front Row Motorsports.
“To FRM’s loyal and dedicated fan base, I’m grateful for your messages of encouragement and support during my tenure with the team — it’s been an awesome ride. To the incredible partners that I’ve been privileged to work with, thank you for trusting me to represent each of your companies, both on and off the racetrack. I wish you all nothing but success for many years to come.
“Lastly, to Bob Jenkins, Jerry Freeze, and all of the men and women at Front Row Motorsports, Ford Performance, and Roush Yates Engines, thank you for your unwavering support over the last seven years and for allowing me to live out a dream of winning not only the Daytona 500, but the Brickyard as well. I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity.”
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McDowell has two Cup Series victories, both of which have come with Front Row Motorsports. He won the Daytona 500 in 2021 and on the Indianapolis road course last season. The victory at Indianapolis locked McDowell into the postseason and he finished a career-best 15th in the championship standings.
The now 39-year-old joined Front Row Motorsports in 2018.
“Rest assured, there’s still a lot of racing left this season, and I’m fully committed to doing whatever it takes to get FRM another win and another playoff berth,” McDowell’s post continued. “We’re not slowing down until the checkered flag flies in Phoenix. I look forward to continue driving for many years to come and can’t wait to share my future plans with you all soon.”
Front Row Motorsport said McDowell was “an important part” of the organization’s growth. McDowell has the most wins, starts, and top-five finishes of any driver for the organization.
“We thank Michael for all he has done during his time as a driver at Front Row Motorsports,” team owner Bob Jenkins said. “His 2021 Daytona 500 victory, a dominant win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and two appearances in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs set a new standard for our organization. He became the leader of his team and the organization. Outside the car, he was the model for a driver we want to represent us and our partners.
“We’re sad to see Michael leave, but wish him, Jami and his family nothing but the best as he moves on to another chapter of what is already an incredible racing career.”