The team fields the No. 34 and No. 38 Fords fulltime with drivers Michael McDowell and Todd Gilliland.
Gilliland has been collaborating with Zane Smith, the current Truck Series champion, to drive the No. 38 car for a few races this year. There have been rumors suggesting that Smith might take over Gilliland’s position at FRM in 2024.
However, the team has chosen to utilize its option on both of its existing drivers instead. McDowell’s selection is expected, as he emerged victorious in the 2021 Daytona 500 and is currently positioned to potentially qualify for the 2023 playoffs, even without securing a victory.
He is currently positioned 17th in terms of points, with only a three-point difference, achieved through one top-five finish and five top-ten finishes.
Michael McDowell, Front Row Motorsports, Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang
Photo by: Gavin Baker / NKP / Motorsport Images
Gilliland’s performance as a Cup driver has notably improved in his second year, surpassing his total number of top-ten finishes from the entire 2022 season. The 23-year-old driver is the son of David Gilliland, who previously raced for FRM between 2010 and 2016.
The younger Gilliland’s best result came at the Indy RC last year, finishing fourth. NASCAR heads back to IMS for Round 24 of the 2023 season this weekend.
What about Smith?
Smith is currently driving for FRM in the Truck Series. The team mentioned in a statement that he is considering options in NASCAR’s other national series, and there is a possibility of him staying at FRM in 2024.
And on the Truck program, FRM says it “remains committed and will compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2024.” They expect to reveal more of those plans in the coming weeks.
“I consider both Michael and Todd as part of my family,” stated Bob Jenkins, the owner of Front Row Motorsports. “They have consistently strived to improve the team every season and continue to persevere in their efforts. I am proud of both of them, and we will now shift our focus towards the rest of 2023 while preparing to make 2024 an even more successful year.”
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