McDowell's Crew Pockets $100,000 Prize

Claims Pit Crew Challenge Presented By Mechanix Wear

Michael McDowell's No. 71 Spire Motorsports crew, (from left) Rear Tire Changer Ty Boeck, Front Tire Changer Max Marsh, Tire Carrier Luke Bussel, Crew Chief Travis Peterson, Engineer Adam Sturgill, Jackman Dax Hollifield, Fueler Brandon Chapman and Pit Crew Coach Keith Flynn, celebrate after posting a 12.587-second pit stop to win Friday's NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear at North Wilkesboro Speedway. (HHP/Chris Owens photo)

Michael McDowell still has work to do to qualify for the NASCAR All-Star Race, but McDowell's pit crew left North Wilkesboro Speedway on Friday with 100,000 reasons to celebrate. Despite entering NASCAR All-Star Open qualifying as a heavy underdog, McDowell's No. 71 Spire Motorsports crew collected a $100,000 bonus for changing four tires in 12.587 seconds to win the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear.

 

Michael McDowell’s No. 71 Spire Motorsports team wins the Pit Crew Challenge. They are a very happy bunch.

This is them watching the final team, the No. 24, complete its pit stop. pic.twitter.com/sED2ctez48

— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) May 16, 2025

McDowell will start fourth in Sunday's All-Star Open after Shane van Gisbergen, Carson Hocevar and Noah Gragson topped the No. 71 team's overall time across three laps and a four-tire pit stop. McDowell has to finish in the top two in the Open to advance to Sunday night's $1 million NASCAR All-Star Race, but his team stole the spotlight on Friday.

 

"This is awesome," said Dax Hollifield, the jackman on the No. 71 crew and a former Virginia Tech football player. "It's definitely beyond my wildest dreams. We've been working hard this year. We're probably the youngest team on pit road. "

 

"It was just hard work and determination that made the difference. I've got no words. I can't breathe. I blacked out during the stop."

 

A big check for a big pit stop. 🤑 pic.twitter.com/UelPIkzv6d

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 17, 2025

 

source: North Wilkesboro Speedway Media

Workforce and Spire Motorsports Announce Multi-Year Partnership

Spire Motorsports announced a multi-year partnership with Workforce – Occupational Health & Safety Solutions to support Michael McDowell, driver of the No. 71 Chevrolet ZL1, as the team ramps up for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series season.

 

Workforce is an occupational healthcare industry specialist in work injury management focused on connecting injured employees to high-quality medical care. Centered on expediting treatment, care, and recovery, Workforce coordinates communication between telephonic physicians, medical providers, employers, insurance carriers, and employees. Workforce also offers medical bill repricing solutions, injury recordability investigation, and employer services including new hire onboarding, DOT & CDL certifications, drug screenings, return-to-work physicals, and more.

 

This partnership kicks off the 2025 Cup Series campaign when Workforce will serve as the primary sponsor of McDowell’s No. 71 Chevrolet at the February 2 pre-season Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C.

 

The Workforce livery will return on March 9 at the Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway, then again on August 16 for the night race at Richmond Raceway. Workforce will also ride along on the No. 71 entry as an associate partner throughout the 2025 Cup Series season.

 

This year marks the Pennsylvania-headquartered organization’s 30th anniversary as McDowell looks to earn his third-career victory in NASCAR’s premier division. The Glendale, Ariz., native completed his eighth full-time NASCAR Cup Series season while earning two top-five and seven top-10 finishes during the 2024 campaign. McDowell led a career-high 256 laps and earned six pole positions, the most of any Cup Series driver last season.

 

“I am thankful to have Workforce onboard with us this season and I look forward to kicking off this new partnership at the Clash,” said McDowell. “It’s an exciting time for the sport, especially to be able to race at Bowman-Gray Stadium to start the year. I’m really looking forward to representing the Workforce team. Workforce aims to make sure that any injuries at the workplace are managed as efficiently as possible and, of course, you never want to see anyone get hurt at work. But if it does happen, Workforce eliminates so much unnecessary stress. I am looking forward to having them at the track as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.”

 

“Workforce has now been involved in motorsports for many years and we genuinely understand the impact NASCAR provides in expanding our brand to potential new partners nationwide. We are excited to partner with Spire Motorsports and a seasoned veteran in Michael McDowell”, said Zachary Roberts, Workforce’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

 

The Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray will kick off racing festivities for the 2025 season and will be televised live on FOX, Sunday, Feb. 2 beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. NASCAR’s annual pre-season exhibition race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

 

Go get your fresh @Mc_Driver x @WorkforceOHSS merch here.

👕: https://t.co/3dmdocZnwn pic.twitter.com/qL4EhIiGn6

— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) January 21, 2025

About Workforce…

Workforce is an Occupational Health and Safety Solutions firm based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with partners throughout North America. For over thirty years, Workforce continues to provide support to clients through the operation of three divisions – Work Injury Management, Medical Bill Repricing, and Employer Services. The Work Injury Management Division provides access to telephonic physician services with expedited access to our nationwide network of specialty, imaging, and therapy providers – and employer access to OSHA recordable injury investigation and impact mitigation services, preferred medical provider panel development, and more. The Medical Bill Repricing Division provides cost containment to clients by minimizing incident, experience, and injury frequency rates, reducing exposure to insurance premium increases. The Employer Services Division provides employee onboarding and testing services, corporate safety committee oversight, required annual certification coordination, and integration of any required testing, licensing, or accreditation. Since 1995, Workforce’s mission is developing long-term partnerships with employers that facilitate successful and positive impacts on health and safety issues encountered by their employees at the workplace.

 

About Spire Motorsports …

Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on April 12, 2024, when Kyle Busch took the checkered flag in the SpeedyCash.com 250 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.

 

In 2025, Spire Motorsports will campaign the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team will also field the Nos. 07, 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the No. 77 Chevrolet in the ARCA Menards Series in select events.

 

 

source: Spire Motorsports Media

Front Row Motorsports Watkins Glen Cup Preview

Michael McDowell  #34/ Todd Gilliland #38

Michael McDowell and Benebone Head to The Glen

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to the Finger Lakes of Upstate New York and Watkins Glen International for road course racing this weekend.

 

Michael McDowell returns to his road racing roots, looking for another solid finish. So far this season, the No. 34 has had two Top-5s on road courses, a 2nd place at Sonoma and a 5th place at the Chicago Street Race.

 

 

"Watkins Glen is a great track for us. I always know what I need out of the car. WGI is a different style of road course where we carry a lot of speed. I’ve always felt that no matter the road course that I can be up front. Now we have cars that are allowing us to do that. It’s been a lot of fun this season. It’s now time to finish the job and get a win." Michael McDowell

 

This weekend Benebone will return to the No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Benebone is a leading brand of USA-made durable chew toys for dogs. The company's simple mission is to make lives better for dogs and the people who love them. Benebone's core values center around awesome products, building and serving communities, and a good dose of fun.

 

"We are very confident in our road course setups, and we only have one job now, to be a playoff spoiler. The new tire and track changes at The Glen should make for an exciting practice. We will adapt to those changes and plan to be at the front with a chance to win!" Travis Peterson – Crew Chief

 

Almost time to get this No. 34 @mybenebone Ford Mustang loaded up and @WGI bound! pic.twitter.com/TOC6Ud7ioJ

— Michael McDowell (@Mc_Driver) September 11, 2024

Todd Gilliland Debuts Boozy Jerky to NASCAR World

The NASCAR Cup Series makes their annual trip to Watkins Glen, New York and Watkins Glen International this Sunday. This will not only be the 100th race for the “Next Gen” car, but Todd Gilliland’s 100th Cup Series start.

 

 

“I’m excited for The Glen—it’s such a fun track to race on. We don’t visit many road courses, so it’s a refreshing change of pace. This weekend is significant for me, FRM, and Boozy Jerky, as it’s my 100th Cup Series start and Boozy Jerky’s debut. There’s already a lot to celebrate, & I hope we can cap it off with a win. I’m excited to have Boozy Jerky on board this weekend. Looking forward to introducing them to the NASCAR World. We have our hauler stocked up already and the entire team is excited to try it. It’ll be a good weekend.”  Todd Gilliland

 

Boozy Jerky will make their first NASCAR start this weekend, partnering with Gilliland and the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for the 90-lap event. Boozy Jerky is the original booze-infused brand of beef jerky. Every bite of Boozy Jerky is meticulously hand-crafted in the US to be tender, moist, and full of rich and defining flavors.

 

“Watkins Glen has been a good track for us. We left there with a solid 11th-place finish last year, but I think we can do better than that. We’re building fast Ford Mustang Dark Horses; we just need to execute at the track. The plan is simple: qualify up front and stay there. That’s easier said than done. but I think we can do that this weekend.” Ryan Bergenty Crew Chief

 

Let's get Boozy! 🥳

We've got @BoozyJerky on the No. 38 this weekend, who's ready? #roadcourseszn@ToddGilliland_ | @WGI pic.twitter.com/wvCYkkV3q4

— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) September 11, 2024

Track activity for the NASCAR Cup Series will start Saturday, September 14th with practice and qualifying at 11:30 am ET. Go Bowling at The Glen will be Sunday, September 15th at 3:00 pm ET.

 

Fans can watch the action live on the USA Network or listen via the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM channel 90.

 

 

source: Front Row Motorsports Media https://www.teamfrm.com

NASCAR / ARCA / SRX Race Weekend Recap (Indianapolis, Eldora Speedway)

Winners: Michael Mcdowell (Cup); Ty Gibbs (Xfinity); Ty Majeski (Trucks) Jesse Love (ARCA) plus Tony Stewart (SRX) 

 

NASCAR Cup

Michael Mcdowell Wins Cup Series Race at Indy Road Course; Clinches Playoff Berth

 

Michael McDowell dominated Sunday’s Cup Series race at the Indianapolis Road Course to score his first win of the 2023 season after holding off a hard charging Chase Elliott.

 

The driver of the No. 34 becomes the 13th driver to punch his ticket to the postseason on a victory. It’s McDowell’s second career win in the Cup Series. His first came in the 2021 Daytona 500.

 

“I was really trying to pace myself,” McDowell said. “I figured there would be a late-race caution, and I didn’t want to burn my stuff up. I was just trying to maintain that gap.

 

“Then when I got into traffic, (Elliott) started closing, I had to push it, but I just can’t believe it.”

 

Absolutely speechless. We’re going #NASCARPlayoffs racing once again!! 🏁 pic.twitter.com/kxal46YwCs

— Michael McDowell (@Mc_Driver) August 13, 2023

Pole: Daniel Suarez

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on 08/20/2023 for the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. 

 

NASCAR Xfinity

Ty Gibbs Distances Field, Wins Xfinity Series Race at Indy Road Course

 

In conjunction with brisk speed out front, Ty Gibbs brushed off a 43-minute weather delay to find Victory Lane in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Saturday evening.

 

The win was Gibbs’ first in seven Xfinity Series races this season and the 12th of his Xfinity Series career. Sam Mayer finished runner-up, with AJ Allmendinger, Austin Hill and Justin Allgaier rounding out the top five.

 

“Definitely about time,” Gibbs told NBC Sports’ Dave Burns. “Really cool to get one here at the Brickyard. I grew up racing go karts in New Castle down the street, so really special to me. Thank you to He Gets Us, all glory to Jesus Christ.

 

“Awesome car, great car. Thank you, Jason Ratcliff. This is the man right here. Jason did a great job. Thank you. This is just so special to me.”

 

p1 💥 P1 ⁰⁰@TyGibbs wins the @_Pennzz 150 presented by @AdvanceAuto.⁰⁰#NASCAR | @JoeGibbsRacing 🍾🧱 pic.twitter.com/UuKP0aeUrI

— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) August 13, 2023

Pole: AJ Allmendinger

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on 08/19/2023 for the Shriners Children's 200 at Watkins Glen International. 

 

 

NASCAR Trucks

Ty Majeski Dominates Truck Series Playoff Opener at IRP

 

Ty Majeski took the checkered flag Friday night at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park to open the Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs.

 

The win marked the first of the 2023 season for the No. 98 ThorSport Racing Ford and locks Majeski into the Round of 8.

 

“We’re peaking at the right time. This is exactly when we peaked last year. It looks like we’re trending in the same direction. Hopefully this is just the start of our playoff run. We want to go and win Milwaukee, right? That’s my home race. Go win Kansas. We’ve had great trucks at all those places. Bristol and Homestead we’ve won, and Phoenix we’re in the mix to the end. That’s the end goal,” Majeski said.

 

An incredible rebound from Richmond, but @TyMajeski and the No. 98 team are just getting started in the #NASCARPlayoffs. pic.twitter.com/KklWPaPpf0

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) August 12, 2023

Pole: Christian Eckes

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on 08/27/2023 for the Clean Harbors 175 at the Milwaukee Mile.

 

 

ARCA

Jesse Love Bags Seventh Win of 2023 in Reese’s 200 At IRP

 

After getting passed in the late stages of the ARCA race by Luke Fenhaus, Jesse Love executed the final restart of the evening perfectly to regain the lead from Fenhaus and drive away to Victory Lane in Friday’s Reese’s 200 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

 

“This is such a phenomenal team,” Love said. “I didn’t think I did a great job at saving my stuff and that came back to bite me when [Fenhaus] came by. He was really fast and I was giving this thing all it was worth. I cooled [my tires] down as much as I could [before the restart] hoping it would pay dividends and it did.”

 

7th win of the season for Jesse!!!#FlyTheV #TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/sUw1VuKvqP

— VenturiniMotorsports (@VenturiniMotor) August 12, 2023

Pole: Jesse Love

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on 08/18/2023 for the General Tire 100 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International at Watkins Glen International.

 

Next Race: The ARCA Series West will return on 08/19/2023 for the NAPA Auto Parts ARCA 150 at Evergreen Speedway.

 

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on 08/20/2023 for the Dutch Boy 100 at Springfield Mile at Illinois State Fairgrounds.

 

 

Superstar Racing Experience

Tony Stewart Wins His Home SRX Race at Eldora

 

For the fourth time in five dirt races for the Camping World SRX Series, Tony Stewart went to victory lane.

 

On Thursday night, Stewart took the win at the track he owns, Eldora Speedway, in the 75-lap feature race for the SRX superstars. It was a sweep of the night for the 2021 series champion, as he also won both heat races leading into the feature event. The first-ever heat race sweep gave Stewart the luxury of starting on the pole for the feature, and he would not relinquish the top spot.

 

“What an awesome night at Eldora Speedway Brought home the win and got to climb the fence again for our friends at Bass Pro Shops! Great having Ron Capps join the Superstar Racing Experience. Thanks to all the fans that came out and to Camping World for their support.” Tony Stewart

 

Just like old times… 🥹 pic.twitter.com/2tyLvVxFO7

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) August 12, 2023

Pole: Tony Stewart

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Superstar Racing Experience will return on 08/17/2023 for the season finale at Lucas Oil Speedway.

 

 

source: NASCAR / ARCA / SRX Media

Front Row Motorsports Ends Another Historical Season

Will Celebrate First Championship in Nashville

In another year of “firsts,” Front Row Motorsports (FRM) will celebrate its first NASCAR championship during Champion’s Week in Nashville, Tenn. from November 30 through December 1. Zane Smith and the No. 38 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team secured FRM’s first championship by winning last week’s race at the Phoenix Raceway.

 

Champions. pic.twitter.com/fT7z24Xt8L

— Zane Smith (@zanesmith77) November 5, 2022

The win at Phoenix capped a four-win season for the FRM truck team led by partners Ford, MRC, Love’s Travel Stops, Speedco, Fr8Auctions.com, Boot Barn, Horizon Hobby, RTA, First Phase, SEM and Plan B Sales. Smith finished in the top-10 in every race this season except for four. His remarkable season ended at Phoenix with an exclamation point after earning the pole, winning all three stages and the championship.

 

 

FRM also continued to excel with its two-car NASCAR Cup Series operation. Michael McDowell and the No. 34 team had 12 top-10 finishes and two top-five results. McDowell had two third-place finishes that came at Sonoma in June and Talladega in October. McDowell’s average finish in 2022 was nearly four positions higher than any other in his Cup Series career. McDowell was once again anchored by Love’s Travel Stops on the No. 34 Ford Mustang. Other partners included Fr8Auctions.com, Horizon Hobby, WISE-EV, Stage Front Tickets, Navage Nasal Care, Chicago Pneumatic and FloRacing.com.

 

 

Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 Ford Mustang team completed their rookie season with two top-10 and one top-five finishes. Gilliland led laps during four different races. His highlights included finishing fourth at Indianapolis and pulling away while leading at Watkins Glen. Gilliland also finished seventh at Talladega after racing up front all day. Gilliland was primarily supported by First Phase, Boot Barn, Frontline Enterprises, Ruedebusch Development and Construction, Georgia Peanuts, Black’s Tire and Auto, Chicago Pneumatic, Southeastern Equipment, Entrepreneurs’ Organization of South Florida, Trident Seafoods, Cross Country Adjusting, CITGARD, The Pete Store and YANMAR.

 

 

“We knew that 2021 was a great season when we won the Daytona 500, but everyone dug in and we had an even better 2022 defined by our first championship,” said Jerry Freeze, General Manager, Front Row Motorsports. “It’s a testament to the men and women working at Front Row Motorsports, our drivers and all our partners. They worked hard to improve and we’re getting stronger on and off the track. More people are taking notice of what we’ve been building and now we just need to keep getting better. We’re excited about what we can do in 2023.”

 

FRM will next compete at the 2023 Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum on February 5 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Eyes forward toward 2023 💪 pic.twitter.com/3dlsfXXoe6

— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) November 18, 2022

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Camping World Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 champions and 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters.

 

 

source: Front Row Motorsports

Will There Be a Daytona 500 Repeat Winner?

Are you ready for the return of the NASCAR Cup Series? The Daytona 500 is a 500-mile-long NASCAR Cup Series race held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. 

 

Daytona International Speedway is 2.5 miles (4 km) long and a 500-mile race requires 200 laps to complete. The 2020 running is the longest Daytona 500 contested, lasting 209 laps/522.5 miles. 

 

Will there be a repeat winner today or will a newbie step into Victory Lane? 

 

Below is the list of Daytona Winner to help you decide.

 

Daytona International Speedway is 2.5 miles long

 

Winners of the Daytona 500
Year	No.	Driver	Team
2021	34	Michael McDowell	Front Row Motorsports
2020	11	Denny Hamlin (3)	Joe Gibbs Racing (4)
2019	11	Denny Hamlin (2)	Joe Gibbs Racing (3)
2018	3	Austin Dillon	Richard Childress Racing (3)
2017	41	Kurt Busch	Stewart-Haas Racing
2016	11	Denny Hamlin	Joe Gibbs Racing (2)
2015	22	Joey Logano	Team Penske (2)
2014	88	Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2)	Hendrick Motorsports (8)
2013	48	Jimmie Johnson (2)	Hendrick Motorsports (7)
2012	17	Matt Kenseth (2)	Roush Fenway Racing (2)
2011	21	Trevor Bayne	Wood Brothers Racing (5)
2010	1	Jamie McMurray	Earnhardt Ganassi Racing
2009	17	Matt Kenseth	Roush Fenway Racing
2008	12	Ryan Newman	Penske Racing
2007	29	Kevin Harvick	Richard Childress Racing (2)
2006	48	Jimmie Johnson	Hendrick Motorsports (6)
2005	24	Jeff Gordon (3)	Hendrick Motorsports (5)
2004	8	Dale Earnhardt Jr.	Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (3)
2003	15	Michael Waltrip (2)	Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (2)
2002	22	Ward Burton	Bill Davis Racing
2001	15	Michael Waltrip	Dale Earnhardt, Inc.
2000	88	Dale Jarrett (3)	Robert Yates Racing (3)
1999	24	Jeff Gordon (2)	Hendrick Motorsports (4)
1998	3	Dale Earnhardt	Richard Childress Racing
1997	24	Jeff Gordon	Hendrick Motorsports (3)
1996	88	Dale Jarrett (2)	Robert Yates Racing (2)
1995	4	Sterling Marlin (2)	Morgan-McClure Mpts (3)
1994	4	Sterling Marlin	Morgan-McClure Mpts (2)
1993	18	Dale Jarrett	Joe Gibbs Racing
1992	28	Davey Allison	Robert Yates Racing
1991	4	Ernie Irvan	Morgan-McClure Motorsports
1990	10	Derrike Cope	Whitcomb Racing
1989	17	Darrell Waltrip	Hendrick Motorsports (2)
1988	12	Bobby Allison (3)	Stavola Brothers Racing
1987	9	Bill Elliott (2)	Melling Racing (2)
1986	5	Geoffrey Bodine	Hendrick Motorsports
1985	9	Bill Elliott	Melling Racing
1984	28	Cale Yarborough (4)	Ranier-Lundy (3)
1983	28	Cale Yarborough (3)	Ranier-Lundy (2)
1982	88	Bobby Allison (2)	DiGard Motorsports
1981	43	Richard Petty (7)	Petty Enterprises (9)
1980	28	Buddy Baker	Ranier-Lundy
1979	43	Richard Petty (6)	Petty Enterprises (8)
1978	15	Bobby Allison	Bud Moore Engineering
1977	11	Cale Yarborough (2)	Junior Johnson & Assoc. (2)
1976	21	David Pearson	Wood Brothers Racing (4)
1975	72	Benny Parsons	L.G. DeWitt
1974	43	Richard Petty (5)	Petty Enterprises (7)
1973	43	Richard Petty (4)	Petty Enterprises (6)
1972	21	A. J. Foyt	Wood Brothers Racing (3)
1971	43	Richard Petty (3)	Petty Enterprises (5)
1970	40	Pete Hamilton	Petty Enterprises (4)
1969	98	LeeRoy Yarbrough	Junior Johnson & Associates
1968	21	Cale Yarborough	Wood Brothers Racing (2)
1967	11	Mario Andretti†	Holman-Moody (2)
1966	43	Richard Petty (2)	Petty Enterprises (3)
1965	28	Fred Lorenzen	Holman-Moody
1964	43	Richard Petty	Petty Enterprises (2)
1963	21	Tiny Lund	Wood Brothers Racing
1962	22	Fireball Roberts	Jim Stephens
1961	20	Marvin Panch	Smokey Yunick
1960	27	Junior Johnson	John Masoni
1959	42	Lee Petty	Petty Enterprises

 (number) indicates how many Daytona 500 wins that driver has. 

by NASCAR Race Mom

Front Row Motorsports 2022 Team Lineup

Reigning Daytona 500 Champion Michael McDowell to Lead Young Duo

In 2022, Front Row Motorsports (FRM) will again have a mix of veteran leadership and young, winning drivers stepping into new roles.

 

 

Michael McDowell will pilot the No. 34 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series. He will be teammates with Todd Gilliland who takes over the No. 38 Ford Mustang. Two-time NASCAR Camping World Series championship runner-up Zane Smith joins FRM to race the No. 38 Ford F-150 in the truck series.

 

'@Mc_Driver kicks off Burnouts on Broadway as the defending Daytona 500 winner!

TV: NBCSN pic.twitter.com/8b999eeUl2

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) December 4, 2021

 

Gilliland makes the jump to the NASCAR Cup Series to compete for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title after three full-time seasons in the truck series, the past two with FRM. In 2021, Gilliland had one win, 16 top-10 and 10 top-five finishes, resulting in a career best year. He led FRM to fourth in the owner’s championship. Gilliland will work with crew chief Seth Barbour.

 

Going Cup racing in 2022 with @Team_FRM and @FordPerformance . What a special day. Couldn’t be more excited for next year!!! @FastLaneMediaNC pic.twitter.com/mZg0V5WYDf

— Todd Gilliland (@ToddGilliland_) November 30, 2021

 

Gilliland follows his father, David, as a driver of the No. 38 Ford for FRM in the NASCAR Cup Series.

 

“I feel like I’ve found a home at FRM,” said Gilliland (Todd). “I’ve been around the team when I was growing up and watching my dad race. I joined the truck team here and it has been a good place for my career. I can’t wait to step up into the NASCAR Cup Series. I know the challenges ahead, but I’m planning to be here and help grow with this team for a long time.”

 

“Todd has been a part of the FRM family before he even started his own racing career,” added owner, Bob Jenkins. “We know that Todd is committed to helping our No. 38 program. He helped us launch our truck program into a winning team and that’s our goal for him and the 38 Cup team.”

 

McDowell returns to the No. 34 Ford Mustang. This past season he again set new records for the organization with five top-10 and two top-five finishes. Their season was highlighted by winning the Daytona 500.

 

“It was a storybook season for Michael, Drew (Crew Chief) and the 34 team,” continued Jenkins. “They helped elevate us to the next level and now we need to sustain and take the next step. The new car gives us a wonderful opportunity to do that.”

 

“I’m really looking forward to 2022 and the fresh start it brings across the sport,” said McDowell. “It’s an exciting time for the NASCAR Cup Series and for us at FRM. We have proven that we can win and now we want to find that consistency throughout the season to be even better.”

 

Coming off a great 2021 season, @zanesmith77
is determined to bring home the big trophy in 2022 in his No. 38 Ford F150!

Let's recap his 2021 stats:
Points Position: 2 | Wins: 1 | Top 10's: 14| Laps Led: 131 pic.twitter.com/RdKFf0ONF9

— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) December 10, 2021

 

FRM welcomes Smith to its NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team, fresh off consecutive seasons as championship runner-up in the series Smith recorded three race wins and 27 top-10 finishes in his two full seasons in the series. The 22-year-old Huntington Beach, Calif. native will work with crew chief Chris Lawson with the goal of winning the championship in 2022.

 

“I’ve been watching Zane the past few seasons,” said Jenkins. “He’s a young driver who is a proven winner and he shows a lot of promise. We want to get him that championship in 2022, but also, we want to have Zane with us for a long time. We see a bright future for him.”

 

“I competed against Front Row for wins this past season and I know how competitive the team is,” said Smith, the 2021 Most Popular Driver in the NASCAR Camping World Series. “Bob Jenkins has given me a wonderful opportunity to race for the truck series championship again. More importantly, there is an opportunity to grow with them in the future.”

 

The 2021 season will mark its 13th with Ford Performance, the team’s manufacturing partner since expanding to a multi-car organization in 2010.

 

FRM will announce team partners leading into the 2022 Daytona 500 and throughout next season.

 

About Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Camping World Truck Series and the 2021 Daytona 500 champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team– from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM,  Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports. 

 

 

source: Front Row Motorsports

South Point 400 (#NASCAR Cup) Las Vegas

Green Flag on the Playoffs’ Round of 12

 

• The Time: 7 p.m. ET  
• TV: NBCSN, 6 p.m. ET  
• Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90) 
• Distance: 400.5 miles (267 Laps) 
• Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 80) 
• Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 160)
• Final Stage (Ends on Lap 267)

Las Vegas Motor Speedway Waves the Green Flag

Intensity mounts as the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs have reached the Round of 12 and four of the original 16-driver Playoff field have been eliminated – Tyler Reddick, Aric Almirola, Kurt Busch, and Michael McDowell.

 

Tough way to end our playoff stint. We certainly left more than two points out there for the easy taking. But we will learn from this experience and grow stronger as a team at @RCRracing for the future. Thanks for all the support from the fans and friends. Lot of fight left in us

— Tyler Reddick (@TylerReddick) September 19, 2021

Reflecting back on this playoff run. It was a wild ride, but we just couldn’t overcome the adversity we were dealt. Ready for these next seven races to show what we’ve got 💪. Watch our full #BeyondThe10 here: https://t.co/sCzXfn2qs8 pic.twitter.com/uW4EOyMIh7

— Aric Almirola (@Aric_Almirola) September 24, 2021

Obviously devastated. Thought we could make a deep run but last night we were not a championship team. I’ve always said we win as a team & lose as a team. There are 7 more races to win and my promise to our fans is that we’re not going to just give up. pic.twitter.com/g4Zh1LYE5U

— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) September 19, 2021

They gave it their all tonight. Unfortunately, without power steering, @Mc_Driver had his work cut out for him.

Plenty left to race for this season and we’re not done yet! See you next weekend, @LVMotorSpeedway. pic.twitter.com/supqhroCzM

— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) September 19, 2021

 

Now the remaining 12 challengers lead the NASCAR Cup Series to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the South Point 400 on September 26 at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

 

The 2021 season marks just the second-time the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 12 has opened at Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Race No. 30 of the season (2020, 2021). Las Vegas is the sixth different track to host the fourth race of the Playoffs; joining Kansas Speedway (2004, ’05, ’11, ’13, ’14), Talladega Superspeedway (2006, ’07, ’08, ’12), Auto Club Speedway (2009, ’10), Charlotte Motor Speedway (2015, ’16, ’17) and Dover International Speedway (2018, ’19).

 

Prior to the 2020 season, Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosted the first race of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs in 2018 and 2019. Team Penske’s Brad Keselowski won the 2018 Las Vegas Playoff race and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Martin Truex Jr. won the 2019 Las Vegas Playoff race.

 

This next round is about to be a wild ride. We’re ready. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/gFfWmEPtXP

— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) September 23, 2021

A total of 13 different drivers have won the fourth race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs., led by Jimmie Johnson  with three victories (2009, 2011, 2016). Chip Ganassi Racing’s Kurt Busch is the most recent winner of the fourth race in the Playoffs taking home the checkered flag from Las Vegas last season.

 

 

source: NASCAR Media

A Daytona Sweep Tough to Clean Up Two Wins in Single Season at rhe World Center of Racing

McDowell, Cindric, Hope to Break Trend in Coke Zero Sugar 400 and Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola At DAYTONA

 

NASCAR Michael McDowell and Austin Cindric have tall tasks in front of them. Even though they were Daytona International Speedway Champions with victories this past February to open their respective seasons, the challenge of sweeping races during the same season at the iconic venue is just as tough as getting that first victory at the World Center of Racing. 

 

Excited to welcome @CarPartscom and @PowerStopBrakes back on board our No. 34 Ford Mustang this weekend at @DAYTONA!

Hopefully we can go back-to-back at Daytona and grab the checkered flag on Saturday night. 🏁 pic.twitter.com/6KUSNytC1W

— Michael McDowell (@Mc_Driver) August 24, 2021

When Cindric, winner of the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 this past February, takes the green flag in the Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola this Friday, Aug. 27, he will seek to join only Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in 2003 to capture victories in both of Daytona’s NASCAR Xfinity Series races in a year (track has had two Xfinity races each year on the 31-degree tri-oval since 2002).

 

With a stellar field that includes former Daytona Champions’ Noah Gragson and Justin Haley, and a host of other incredible driving talents, it will be an uphill battle for the 2020 Xfinity Series Champion and five-time 2021 winner Cindric.

 

For McDowell, who claimed his first career triumph in the DAYTONA 500 earlier this year, the challenge awaits in Saturday’s Aug. 28 Coke Zero Sugar 400. Since the track opened in 1959 and began hosting two NASCAR Cup Series races a year, only five times has the DAYTONA 500 Champion backed it up with a Coke Zero Sugar 400 triumph.

 

The list of names is a “Who’s Who” of NASCAR royalty that includes: Fireball Roberts (1962) Cale Yarborough (1968) LeeRoy Yarbrough (1969) Bobby Allison (1982) and Jimmie Johnson (2013).

 

Roberts, Yarborough and Allison are NASCAR Hall of Famers,  and Johnson is a shoo-in once he becomes eligible, while Yarbrough won NASCAR’s Triple Crown in ’69.

 

After his win in the DAYTONA 500, McDowell said, “Not everybody makes it to Victory Lane, and for 14 years I didn’t. Whether I win this race or not, it is not what defines you…..just to be here now is just so amazing.”

 

What makes Saturday’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 even more “amazing” is that it will be the final race of the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, the last-chance race for a driver sitting on the outside of the playoffs who will need a victory to make it in the 16-driver championship field. If McDowell can win the Coke Zero Sugar 400 (7:00 p.m. ET start), his career will be defined more clearly as a two-time DAYTONA Champion in the same season.

 

The #CokeZeroSugar400 is more than just great racing 🏁

From the Midway to the UNOH Fanzone, we're bringing back the true race weekend 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲!

— Daytona International Speedway (@DAYTONA) August 23, 2021

 

To find out if McDowell can make history, fans can purchase tickets starting at $49 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Those fans can also purchase access to the UNOH Fanzone for $60. Here, fans can participate in events before the race. This includes, but is not limited to, the return of the traditional Coke Zero Sugar 400 Pre-Race Concert featuring Chris Lane, pre-race ceremonies, driver introductions, access to the large grass ballfield, signing the start/finish line through the middle of the 18-degree, banked trioval. Also scheduled is LIVE entertainment on the main UNOH Fanzone Stage, including Fan Q&A, which includes (scheduled) McDowell, Aric Almirola, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., Bubba Wallace, Daniel Suarez and two-time DAYTONA winning crew chief Drew Blickensderfer. Fans can also get photos with the winning trophies of the weekend in Ruoff Mortgage Victory Lane.

 

They say home is where the heart is….welcome to @RuoffMortgage 🏠 Victory Lane @KyleLarsonRacin 🏁#GoBowlingAtTheGlen | #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/6YfQllRZiu

— Watkins Glen International (@WGI) August 8, 2021

 

Tickets to the Xfinity Series Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola, which is set for a 7:30 p.m. ET green flag start, begins at $35 for adults and FREE for kids 12 and under. Access to the UNOH Fanzone will be available before this race as well! A Two-Day Pass is available which includes access to the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday, and the Wawa 250 on Friday. These passes start at $69 for adults. Fan Q&A is also scheduled for Friday and will include Cindric, Gragson, Haley, AJ Allmendinger and Justin Allgaier.

 

As part of the “Welcome Back” weekend for fans, the track’s outside Midway (In Front of Sunoco, Toyota, Axalta, Chevrolet and AdventHealth Injectors) and UNOH Fanzone will be the site of a host of exciting interactive activities, featuring eNASCAR Racing, along with other speedway partner exhibits like Pit Boss, Coca-Cola, GEICO, Chevrolet, Toyota, Wawa, Air Force (featuring a fighter jet), Door Dash, Busch Beer, General Tire and a NASCAR Kids Zone.

 

The first 10,000 fans through the gates on Saturday will receive complimentary Coke Zero Sugar 400 drawstring bags.

 

 

source: Daytona International Speedway

Ford Performance Sweeps Daytona

Winners Michael McDowell (Cup) and Austin Cindric (Xfinity)

Michael McDowell and Austin Cindric brought home two victories for Ford Motor Co., sweeping the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity races at Daytona. McDowell, from Front Row Motorsports, won his first Daytona 500 and NASCAR Cup Series race. While Cindric captured his first Xfinity win at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night for Team Penske.

 

“Congratulations to Michael, Drew, Jerry, Bob and the Front Row Motorsports organization for winning the Daytona 500,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “This was such an amazing weekend of racing, to win both the Cup and Xfinity races is such a blessing. Congrats, to Austin, Brian, Roger, and Team Penske for winning the Xfinity race and marking Roush Yates Engines’ 150th NASCAR Xfinity win. I’m so proud of our entire team and our partnership with Ford Performance to power these fast Fords.”

It was a story book ending for McDowell, recording the Ford Mustang’s first Daytona 500 win and his first win in his 358th career start. McDowell is the eighth driver to get his first win at Daytona.   “I just can’t believe it,” McDowell commented. “The only thing I can think of is just God is so good. For so many years I’ve just been grinding it out trying to stay in this sport. Bob Jenkins gave me a great opportunity to go full-time in a competitive car and Drew Blickensderfer and my whole entire team we’ve been working so hard for years to get into this position and I’m so thankful to Love’s Travel Stops and Speeco and Ford, Doug Yates. All of my Ford partners out there. I just can’t believe it. I’m so thankful. It’s amazing.” The 500-mile, Great American Race all came down to the last lap. McDowell, following Ford teammates Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski, found himself in position to take the lead after Logano and Keselowski had an on-track incident in Turn 3 of the final lap. McDowell took the lead, and it became a drag race to the checkered flag with Chase Elliott and Austin Dillon. After a video tape review, McDowell was announced the official winner, beating Elliott by over a car length as the raced ended under caution.

“There’s no better way to start the season than by winning NASCAR’s biggest race,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “There aren’t many things that Mustang hasn’t achieved in its storied history, but winning the Daytona 500 was one of them and we’re excited about adding that to the list.”   Stewart-Haas Racing teammates Kevin Harvick finished P4 and Cole Custer P11, while Team Penske teammates Logano and Keselowski finished P12 and P13 respectively.

Austin Cindric, in the No. 22 Team Penske Ford Mustang, brought home the first NASCAR Xfinity Series win of 2021. This marked Cindric’s first win at Daytona International Speedway, securing his position in the 2021 Playoffs to defend his 2020 Championship title.

In an overtime finish, the current NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion, Cindric held off a hard charging Brett Moffitt on the last lap, to take the checkered flag .104 seconds in front of Moffitt to record his ninth career win. This also marked the first Xfinity win at Daytona for team owner Roger Penske.   “What a way to kick off the season,” commented Cindric. “I’m really proud of the speed our boys brought with me in the Verizon 5G Ford Mustang. I really feel like over the no practice races we made our superspeedway cars better, so to be able to showcase that tonight makes me really proud, proud of the effort of the guys in the shop and obviously our road crew. To start off our season like this is incredible.”

Ford Performance teammates led a combined 67 laps out of the 122-lap race, led by Cindric with 28 laps and newcomer Ryan Sieg from RSS Racing with 23 laps before he was collected in an on-track incident to finish 31st. Jason White of NXT Motorsports finished tenth and Stewart-Haas Racing’s Riley Herbst finished 26th.

The NASCAR Series will be back at Daytona International Speedway this weekend to run the Road Course.   source:  Ford Performance PR