MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Michael McDowell will have a new home in 2025 after seven years at Front Row Motorsports.
The veteran NASCAR Cup Series driver has agreed to a multi-year contract to pilot Spire Motorsports' No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 next season.
“We thank Michael for all he has done during his time as a driver at Front Row Motorsports," FRM 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.”
McDowell will join teammate and Cup Series veteran Corey LaJoie and 2024 Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Carson Hocevar at Spire.
"This is a new chapter for my family and me, and we’re incredibly thankful for the opportunity that’s in front of us,” said McDowell. “It’s going to take some hard work, but I feel like everything is in place for us to be successful as a race team — to win races and contend for championships. People are the greatest asset to any organization, and with Spire’s vision, ambition, knowledge, and dedication, we will achieve great things. Failure is not an option, and that’s the mindset that it will take to achieve our goals."
The father of five comes to Spire Motorsports from Front Row Motorsports, where he was the organization’s leader in wins, starts, and top-five finishes. In addition to his victory in the 2021 Great American Race, McDowell proved his versatility with a road-course win in last year’s Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He earned NASCAR Cup Series Playoff berths in 2021 and 2023.
In addition to his vast NCS resume, McDowell has made 94 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, where he earned two poles, one win (Road America 2016), six top-five, and 20 top-10 finishes. He’s also a four-time ARCA Menards Series race winner.
“Michael McDowell is a proven winner and brings a NASCAR Playoff pedigree,” said Spire Motorsports president Doug Duchardt. “Michael has always been committed to elevating his teams. His experience and enthusiasm are a perfect fit for Spire Motorsports, and we are sure he will be a great teammate to both Carey LaJoie and Carson Hocevar. We’re thrilled to keep up the positive momentum by adding someone as accomplished as Michael to our driver lineup.
“Our 2024 plan for the No. 71 team remains unchanged. Spire Motorsports fully supports Zane Smith and Stephan Doran. We remain committed to the success of our collaboration with Trackhouse. That team is just beginning to realize its potential. We’re looking forward to seeing how the Rookie of the Year battle plays out between Zane and Carson.”
