Front Row Motorsports was the center of NASCAR silly season but the organization has firmly established its driver lineup in the Cup Series for 2024.
[autotag]Michael McDowell[/autotag] and [autotag]Todd Gilliland[/autotag] are returning to Front Row Motorsports in the Cup Series next year. The two drivers are in their second season together and have greatly improved with the NextGen car.
McDowell was a heavy favorite for Stewart-Haas Racing if Aric Almirola decided to retire from the Cup Series at the end of 2023. Gilliland was also mentioned as a candidate but their current organization had decided to move forward with their contracts.
NEWS. We have exercised our option on @Mc_Driver and @ToddGilliland_ for all races in 2024 in the @NASCAR Cup Series.
We continue discussions with @ZaneSmith as he also explores other opportunities.
Full release:https://t.co/jOKKNT1LC0 pic.twitter.com/0PAWbTF4Cz
— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) August 9, 2023
On the other hand, Zane Smith, the organization’s driver in the NASCAR Truck Series, is now left without a spot in the Cup Series program. Smith has also been linked to Stewart-Haas Racing in case Almirola retires from the sport. The organization hasn’t ruled out keeping the defending Truck Series champion in the program.
Front Row Motorsports has significantly grown after McDowell’s victory in the 2021 Daytona 500. The driver of the No. 34 car has been competitive and could make the 2023 NASCAR playoffs on points with three races remaining.
The organization’s future in the Cup Series is very bright and keeping both of its drivers will be a good step toward more success. It will be interesting to see how McDowell and Gilliland perform with another season at Front Row Motorsports.