- MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 6, 2021) – The 2021 Front Row Motorsports (FRM) driver lineup will feature both familiar and new faces to the organization. Michael McDowell will once again pilot the No. 34 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series, while Anthony Alfredo will drive the No. 38 Ford Mustang in his first year at the Cup level.
- MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 6, 2021) – The 2021 Front Row Motorsports (FRM) driver lineup will feature both familiar and new faces to the organization. Michael McDowell will once again pilot the No.
In multiple categories, Michael McDowell is having a career year in the NASCAR Cup Series. With 17 races completed, the 35-year-old driver from Phoenix, Arizona, has an average finish of 20th and has earned two Top-10 finishes in his third year at Front Row Motorsports. McDowell credits increased manufacturer support, as well as the employees.
Front Row Motorsports has confirmed driver lineups for its 2021 NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series programs.
Anthony Alfredo moves up to the Cup Series and joins FRM, partnering with the team’s veteran driver, Michael McDowell.
McDowell will drive the No. 34 Ford for a fourth consecutive season, while Alfredo replaces John Hunter Nemechek in the No. 38 Ford.
After running his 2020 Cup rookie campaign for FRM, Nemechek announced in November that he would return to the Camping World Truck Series and run the full 2021 season for Kyle Busch Motorsports.
Alfredo will work with crew chief Seth Barbour, while McDowell remains paired with crew chief Drew Blickensderfer.
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“This is really an unbelievable moment,” Alfredo said in a team release. “When you start out racing karts as a kid, you dream of making it to the sport’s top level.
“I want to thank (team co-owner) Bob Jenkins and everyone at Front Row Motorsports for making this dream a reality. I know the challenges ahead, but I’m here to work hard and prove myself.”
Alfredo made 19 Xfinity Series starts last season for Richard Childress Racing, posting nine top-10 finishes.
He earned his season-best finish of third in his final start of 2020 at Texas Motor Speedway.
“We met Anthony and spent time with him when last season ended,” Jenkins said in the release. “We wanted another young driver and someone that fit well into our team. We feel that Anthony is a great match and we look forward to this season together.”
McDowell finished 23rd in last season’s Cup standings. He posted a career-best four top-10 finishes, highlighted by a seventh-place finish at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
He also earned top-10s at Pocono Raceway (first race), the Daytona International Speedway road course, and the night race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
“Despite all of its challenges, our 2020 season was one of the best in FRM history,” McDowell said in the release. “I feel like we’ve really been able to hit our stride and I’m excited to channel that momentum into a new season.”
FRM also announced Wednesday that it will run a third entry, the No. 36 Ford, for David Ragan in February’s season-opening Daytona 500. Derrick Finley will serve as crew chief.
Ragan, who stepped away from full-time racing at the end of the 2019 season, finished fourth at last year’s Daytona 500 for Rick Ware Racing.
Additionally, Todd Gilliland will return to FRM as driver of its No. 38 Ford in the Truck Series. He will again work with crew chief Chris Lawson.
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Last season, Gilliland made the Truck playoffs and earned 10 top-10 finishes. His best results were three finishes of fourth place, achieved at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway, and Dover International Speedway.
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— Anthony Alfredo (@anthonyalfredo) January 6, 2021
That’s a solid lineup right here! Great to have @DavidRagan back in the seat with @Team_FRM for the #Daytona500 as well. https://t.co/pE6eTEM3p1
— Michael McDowell (@Mc_Driver) January 6, 2021
Thrilled to be back in a Mustang for the #Daytona500 this year. Having my buddy @ricksteeleiii and @Select_Blinds on board is just icing on the cake!! https://t.co/UUzTL3dxSO
— David Ragan (@DavidRagan) January 6, 2021