Front Row Motorsports' Struggles: A Season of Disappointment
As the NASCAR Cup Series season draws to a close, the spotlight often shines on the championship contenders, leaving the stories of non-playoff teams in the shadows. However, before we bid farewell to 2025, let's delve into the season's struggles of Front Row Motorsports (FRM) and explore why a team that seemed poised for greatness has faced challenges.
The Big 6: Unraveling FRM's Season
Heading into 2025, FRM had reasons to be optimistic. Despite losing veteran leader Michael McDowell, the team's other driver, Todd Gilliland, showed promising improvement in 2024, moving up to 22nd in points after finishing 28th in the previous two seasons. Gilliland's consistent performances indicated a steady progression, and he was poised to make a name for himself.
Gilliland took over McDowell's iconic No. 34 car, while Zane Smith, who had a difficult rookie season with Spire Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing, joined FRM in the No. 38. Smith's best performances in 2024 came in the second half of the season, and his return to FRM, where he won a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, seemed like a mutually beneficial move.
FRM expanded further by adding a third team, with Noah Gragson behind the wheel. While the organization had attempted running three full-time teams in the past, this time, with the growing partnership with Ford and the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to give it another shot. Gragson, coming from SHR, was seen as a wildcard who could potentially make waves in the Cup Series.
But here's where it gets controversial... the predictions of a competitive FRM fell flat. In fact, the team regressed in 2025. With only three races left in the season, FRM's combined results are disappointing, with just two top fives, 10 top 10s, and a mere 37 laps led. Gilliland sits at 30th in overall points, while Gragson lags behind at 33rd. Smith, at 27th, is the best-performing driver, but it's not enough for a team with higher aspirations.
To put it into perspective, every other Cup Series organization with multiple chartered cars has at least one driver ahead of all three FRM drivers. Comparable teams like Spire, Legacy Motor Club, and Kaulig Racing have either improved or maintained their performance levels. Even RFK Racing, despite a challenging season, has all three of its Fords ahead of the FRM cars. FRM's hopes for growth and competitiveness have not materialized in 2025.
The Reasons Behind FRM's Struggles
So, why has FRM struggled this season? The most apparent reason is the ongoing anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR. While 23XI Racing has been more vocal about the lawsuit, FRM has been involved from the start, and team owner Bob Jenkins' dedication to the case may have taken a toll on the team's performance.
Adding to the woes, FRM's cars lost their charter status earlier this year due to the lawsuit, resulting in a loss of bonus money. FRM has always been a team with limited resources, and without the financial backing of someone like Michael Jordan, their future is uncertain. While FRM has shown resilience, the question remains: how long can they sustain their open team status without regaining their charters?
And this is the part most people miss... the departure of Michael McDowell might have had a more significant impact than anticipated. McDowell, with two wins for FRM, including the prestigious Daytona 500 in 2021 and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course in 2023, was a key performer. The 2023 season was particularly notable, as McDowell was in contention for a postseason spot on points, a feat never achieved by an FRM driver before or since. McDowell's ability to extract maximum performance from the FRM cars is undeniable.
FRM also underwent personnel changes during the offseason. When McDowell joined Spire Motorsports, crew chief Travis Peterson followed suit. As a result, Gilliland, moving to the No. 34, got a new crew chief in Chris Lawson, while Ryan Bergenty remained with Smith on the No. 38. Gragson's No. 4 team brought over individuals from SHR, including crew chief Drew Blickensderfer, but it was still an entirely new team for FRM.
The Future of FRM: Uncertain Times
Due to these factors, FRM's future looks less promising than it did a year ago. While a turnaround in 2026 is not impossible, the team relies on three young drivers who need time to develop. However, if FRM doesn't survive the lawsuit, their drivers might not get the chance to grow, and the organization could face an unfortunate shutdown. It would be a sad end to a team that has endured the ups and downs of the Cup Series for two decades.
Let's hope FRM can overcome these challenges, put 2025 behind them, and strive for a brighter future in the upcoming season. What do you think? Could FRM bounce back, or are these struggles a sign of deeper issues? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
