More Front Row Motorsports News

NASCAR Team Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion After Talks Break Down

Former BK Racing owner Ron Devine pleads guilty to tax evasion, deepening the collapse of one of NASCAR’s most troubled teams.
NASCAR

NASCAR Lawsuit: Antitrust Feud Escalates as Jim France, Michael Jordan Dismiss Settlement Push

As Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and NASCAR lock horns in a high-stakes legal fight, Bob Pockrass unpacks the NASCAR Lawsuit.
denny, jordan and jim france

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Raises Red Flag After NASCAR Strips Michael Jordan and Co.’s Luxury Perks

Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared his take on the injunction ruling, citing potential obstacles that 23XI Racing will have to endure this year.
Michael Jordan and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Michael Jordan’s Drivers Respond to Their Uncertain NASCAR Cup Series Future

23XI Racing drivers react to the looming threat of losing their NASCAR charters amid a high-stakes legal battle with the sport’s officials.
Reddick, Jordan, Wallace

“Jesus Christ!”: Bubba Wallace & Co. Sound Off on Reporters as NASCAR Lawsuit Puts Future in Jeopardy

Legal tensions rise as 23XI Racing challenges NASCAR's charter system, with Bubba Wallace and Co. deflecting media pressure.
Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick

Michael Jordan & Co. Shockingly Lose NASCAR Fans Support as Lawsuit Disappointment Rocks Garage

Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing just took a legal hit, and NASCAR fans aren’t pulling punches.
Michael Jordan Denny Hamlin NASCAR

“Does [Michael Jordan] Stick Around?”– Fans Sound Off After NASCAR Gives Crushing Blow to 23XI in Lawsuit Row

Crushing court loss for 23XI Racing fuels fan fears as they question if Michael Jordan stays after the court ends the team’s guaranteed entry.
Denny Hamlin, Michael Jordan

NASCAR Lawsuit Update: Denny Hamlin & Co to Incur Potential $100M Loss as Federal Court Flip on Charter Deal

Huge setback for Denny Hamlin and Co as they face potential talent, sponsorship and whooping 100 million dollar loss
Denny Hamlin, Michael Jordan (1)

Dale Earnhardt Jr Hands His Final Verdict on NASCAR’s Horsepower Debate

The NASCAR horsepower debate gets another opinion. Dale Earnhardt Jr and Michael McDowell doubt if more power alone helps improve racing.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Front Row Motorsports Crew Chief Calls on NASCAR to Boost Horsepower for Short Track Drama

Amidst rising hints of NASCAR finally yielding to the horsepower debate, a Front Row Motorsports crew chief pushes it further.
NASCAR (2)

NASCAR Lawsuit: Michael Jordan’s Lawyers Further Accuse France Family Amidst Defending Their Partners

23XI and Front Row fight back as NASCAR's countersuit falters. Teams reject boycott, monopoly claims in explosive legal battle.
NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 25: Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23xi racing and NBA, Basketball Herren, USA legend watching the act

NASCAR Lawsuit: Rick Hendrick & Co. Saved From Being Dragged Into Court, Michael Jordan’s 23XI Warned

Amid the ongoing legal battle between NASCAR and 23XI Racing/FRM, other charter teams have decided to steer clear.
Michael Jordan, Rick Hendrick

About Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports: 2024 Net Worth, Stats, Owners and More

What is Front Row Motorsports?

If you think NASCAR is only ruled by bigger teams, you are mistaken. Sometimes, even smaller teams succeed in leaving a lasting impression on viewers owing to their humble beginnings and hard-fought path to glory. One of those teams is Front Row Motorsports. While it doesn't have the number or the equipment to compete with larger teams like Hendrick Motorsports or Joe Gibbs Racing, this small team, reportedly with only 60 employees and often second-hand equipment, surely packs a punch.

article-image

USA Today via Reuters

The History of Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports reportedly started competing part-time in 2004 as Means-Jenkins Motorsports. The team, later, made its full-time debut in the Cup Series in 2005. The team is owned by Bob Jenkins.

Why is the team named Front Row Motorsports?

Front Row Motorsports was originally named Means-Jenkins Motorsports, as an ode to both of its owner at the time, Jimmy Means and Bob Jenkins. Back then, in 20024, the team ran a part-time Xfinity Series schedule. However, the next year, Bob Jenkins took over the majority ownership of the team and rebranded itself into Front Row Motorsports, perhaps in a bid to express where they wanted to see their team on the grid and the standings.

Front Row Motorsports Net Worth 2024

As of February 2020, according to Forbes, the team had a valuation of around $30 million. Apart from that, they also reported $14 million in winnings, $25 million in revenue. However, as of 2024, that might have increased significantly.

Front Row Motorsports Drivers

Currently, the team fields two full-time and one part-time Cup drivers, Todd Gilliland driving the No. 38, Michael McDowell driving the No. 34 and Kaz Grala driving the No. 36, respectively. Apart from that, it also backs one full-time entry in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Layne Riggs driving the No. 38.

article-image

via Getty

While Todd Gilliland joined the team back in 2022, Michael McDowell became a full-time driver for Front Row Motorsports back in 2018, after having competed with the team in one race at the Watkins Glen International, over a decade ago, in 2013.

Kaz Grala joined the team ahead of the 2024 season.

article-image

via Getty

As for Layne Riggs, the driver also joined Front Row Motorsports ahead of the 2024 season.

article-image

via Getty

Front Row Motorsports Partnerships and Endorsements

The team enjoys a partnership with brands like Ford Performance, startup accelerator company gener8tor, lubricants and penetrants brand B'laster, Love’s RV, dog chew toys company Benebone and Rudebusch Development and Construction among others. Apart from that, compressor manufacturer Quincy Compressor also made its NASCAR debut with the team in 2023 in a three-race primary race schedule with Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 Ford Mustang team.

Front Row Motorsports Major Achievements and Awards

Over the years, Front Row Motorsports have steadily climbed up the ranks with wins and impressive performances. One of its most notable finishes came in 2021 when the veteran Cup Series driver Michael McDowell won the Daytona 500 beating Hendrick Motorsports' Chase Elliott in P2 and Richard Childress Racing's Austin Dillon in P3. He also secured the second position in the Daytona 500 qualifying race in 2024. Apart from that, the #38 driver also gifted another iconic win to the team in 2023 with his Brickyard victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, relegating Chase Elliott to P2 yet again.

article-image

USA Today via Reuters

McDowell also reached the playoffs in 2021 and 2023, finishing 16th and 15th in the drivers' standings, respectively.

Front Row Motorsports-Team Penske Technical Alliance

The Bob Jenkins-owned team also enjoys a technical alliance with the Cup Series championship winning team, Team Penske, that began in 2024. Earlier, they had been in partnership with another Cup Series team, RFK Racing, since 2016.

Front Row Motorsports Social Media

While Front Row Motorsports doesn't have an official website, they are quite active on social media.

 

NameFront Row Motorsports
OwnersBob Jenkins
BaseMooresville, North Carolina
SeriesNASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Race DriversTodd Gilliland, Michael McDowell, Kaz Grala
SponsorsFord Performance, gener8tor, B'laster, Love’s RV, Benebone, Rudebusch Development and Construction, Quincy Compressor
ManufacturerFord
Founded2004
Last Race2024 Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway
ChampionshipsNASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: 1
Race VictoriesTotal: 12

NASCAR Cup Series: 4

Nationwide Series: 0

Truck Series: 8

Net Worth$30 million (As of February 2020)