Wednesday brought a whirlwind of announcements as Michael McDowell revealed his departure from Front Row Motorsports post-NASCAR Cup Series season, gearing up to join Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 team with a multiyear agreement starting 2025.
At 39, McDowell is set to embark on a fresh journey after a seven-year stint behind the wheel of the No. 34 Ford, owned by Bob Jenkins. His track record glows with triumphs, including the 2021 Daytona 500 and a victory lap at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course in 2023.
Embracing this new era, McDowell expressed his gratitude and readiness for the challenges ahead. “We’re on the brink of an exciting chapter, and the gratitude for this chance is immense,” he shared. “With hard work and the robust foundation at Spire, we’re poised for success — aiming for wins and championship contention. The team’s vision and drive are our cornerstones for achieving greatness.”
Stepping into the No. 71 Chevrolet, McDowell is slated to take over from rookie Zane Smith, whose future endeavours remain under wraps despite his previous announcement by Trackhouse Racing.
Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, McDowell boasts 477 Cup Series starts. The upcoming season will see him join forces with Corey LaJoie and Carson Hocevar, both locked in with Spire Motorsports for the foreseeable future. LaJoie has 248 Cup starts to his name, while Hocevar has made 21.
Spire Motorsports president Doug Duchardt lauded McDowell’s winning spirit and playoff experience. “Michael’s drive to uplift his teams is unmatched, and his addition to Spire Motorsports is a testament to our commitment to excellence,” Duchardt remarked. “His synergy with Carey LaJoie and Carson Hocevar will propel us forward, and we’re excited to see this dynamic trio in action.”
Despite the shakeup, Spire’s 2024 vision for the No. 71 team stands firm, with continued support for Zane Smith and crew chief Stephan Doran, alongside their partnership with Trackhouse.
McDowell’s Cup Series journey began in 2008 with Michael Waltrip Racing, followed by stints with Tommy Baldwin Racing and Phil Parsons Racing, before settling in withg Leavine Family Racing in 2014. His NASCAR Xfinity Series accolades include a win at Road America in 2016, driving Richard Childress Racing’s No. 2 Chevrolet.
Fresh off a top-10 finish at Kansas Speedway, McDowell holds the 26th spot in the Cup Series points standings, revved up and ready for the next lap of his racing career.
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