NASCAR
Michael McDowell, Todd Gilliland Both Returning to Front Row Motorsports in 2024
MOORESVILLE, N.C. – NASCAR free agents Michael McDowell and Todd Gilliland both have their futures now secured. Each driver has signed a contract extension with Front Row Motorsports, keeping the Nos. 34 and 38 Ford Mustangs unchanged for 2024. FRM exercised options on both drivers, keeping them within the Ford team trending ever-so-upward.
Front Row has seen continual performance gains throughout 2023 with McDowell and Gilliland. McDowell, the 2021 Daytona 500 champion, is the veteran leader at Front Row. Since taking over the flagship No. 34 Ford in 2018, McDowell, 38, has seen unparalleled NASCAR Cup Series success. He has earned 29 top-10 and seven top-five finishes in the 34. This season alone, McDowell is currently 17th in the championship standings, fighting hard for Front Row’s third Playoff appearance.
McDowell has been a key part of the 34 crew helping to foster and build relationships with Love’s Travel Stops, Fr8Auctions.com, Chicago Pneumatic, Horizon Hobby and other partners.
Gilliland has also seen improvements in a breakout sophomore Cup Series season. His three top-10s and nine top-15s have driver 38 as one of the biggest movers in 2023. Gilliland, 23, remains a positive influence for the No. 38 partners that include Ruedebusch Development and Construction, Speedy Cash, Boot Barn, gener8tor Skills, Serial 1 E-Bikes and others.
“Both Michael and Todd are like family to me,” said Bob Jenkins, Owner, Front Row Motorsports. “They have been determined to make the team better each season and they just keep fighting to do that. I’m proud of both and now we will be focused on the remainder of 2023 and prepare for 2024 to be even better.”
Zane Smith, driver No. 38 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and defending series champion, is now exploring opportunities across all three NASCAR national series. One offer for Smith is to stay with Front Row in 2024. Smith, 24, has spent a few Cup Series races this season in the No. 38 Mustang, splitting this ride with Gilliland. Smith is also currently attempting to repeat as Truck Series champion with FRM.
Front Row does plan to race with their Craftsman Truck Series team in 2024. Future plans regarding FRM’s 2024 Truck Series program will be announced at a later date.
The FRM NASCAR Cup Series program will continue their season at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course this weekend. The Craftsman Truck Series returns to action at the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park this Friday.
Two of the biggest question marks left in NASCAR silly season have been answered. McDowell and Gilliland both staying put at Front Row seemingly leaves Zane Smith out of this musical chairs game. One of the most highly-touted NASCAR prospects today, expect Smith to announce his 2024 plans very soon.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Front Row Motorsports
