Recently, news broke out that Front Row Motorsports crew chief Drew Blickensderfer will be leaving the team. Blickensderfer’s departure ends a three-year stint as crew chief for Michael McDowell, who took his maiden win at the 2021 Daytona 500. “Drew helped lead the No. 34 team to new heights since coming to Front Row Motorsports, highlighted by winning the Daytona 500,” FRM team owner Bob Jenkins said [https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2021/12/17/drew-blickensderfer-michael-mcdowell-daytona-500-winning-crew-chief-leaving-front-row-motorsports/]. “We are now in the process of securing the next leader in our organization to continue the solid foundation that has been built. That process has begun, and we will move quickly. We wish Drew the best in his next endeavors.” It is worth mentioning that McDowell’s triumph is FRM’s third career NASCAR Cup Series win. The first one came at the hands of David Ragan in 2013, while Chris Buescher took the second career win in 2016. In the process, that second win gifted Front Row Motorsports its first Playoff appearance. MCDOWELL’S WIN MEANT A LOT TO FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS AND BLICKENSDERFER It is also worth mentioning that this is Blickensderfer’s second victory in the Daytona 500 as a crew chief. His first win came when he linked up with Matt Kenseth to win the 2009 Daytona 500 for Roush Fenway Racing. Michael McDowell [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1353880493.jpg]CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 17: Michael McDowell driver of the #34 Front Row Motorsports Ford drives during NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen testing at Charlotte Motor Speedway on November 17, 2021 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Imagesfront Sadly, McDowell’s moment of success didn’t last, as he was eliminated in the opening Playoff round. Despite that, the Front Row Motorsports driver enjoyed a great 2021 Cup Series season. In fact, he achieved a career-high of two top-five finishes, five top-10 finishes and a best finish of 16th in the championship points. As driver and crew chief, McDowell and Blickensderfer have recorded one win, four top-five finishes and 11 top-10 finishes in 108. Now, McDowell will get a new crew chief, while Blickensderfer goes job hunting with another team. READ MORE: Can Michael McDowell and Austin Cindric Take Two Daytona Wins in the Same Season? [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-can-michael-mcdowell-and-austin-cindric-take-two-daytona-wins-in-the-same-season/] 

For the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, the Front Row Motorsports team were dealt
a blow when crew chief Drew Blickensderfer parted ways

Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. He not only writes engaging content but helps connect readers with some of the biggest racing names thanks to his ability to churn out exclusive interviews.

Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. When he's not writing about Stock Car Racing, he can be found reading and writing fan fiction.

Dhruv George

Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch.

Dhruv George | Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports

EssentiallySports

https://www.staging.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/es_circle_black_logo.png

Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. He not only writes engaging content but helps connect readers with some of the biggest racing names thanks to his ability to churn out exclusive interviews. Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. When he's not writing about Stock Car Racing, he can be found reading and writing fan fiction.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Dhruv-George-1-96x96.png

Dhruv George is a senior Motorsports author for EssentiallySports, having
authored nearly 12000 articles spanning different sports like F1, NASCAR,
Tennis, NFL, and eSports. He graduated with a PG Diploma in Journalism from the
Xavier Institute of Communications. Dhruv has also conducted interviews with F1
driver Pierre Gasly and Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino. He has been an ardent
follower of motorsports sport since 2001, holding Carlos Sainz Jr. and McLaren
in high regard.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Dhruv_George.png

Can Michael McDowell and Austin Cindric Take Two Daytona Wins in the Same
Season?

Michael McDowell of Front Row Motorsports wins NASCAR Daytona 500

NASCAR: Daytona 500

Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Michael McDowell (34) celebrates winning the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

NASCAR: Daytona 500 - EssentiallySports

Aayush Majumdar is a NASCAR content strategist, a Tennis Writer, and a sports analyst at EssentiallySports. He is well-tenured as a tennis and NASCAR writer, with over 900 articles across both sports. After pursuing a Post Graduate program in Sports Management, Aayush explored various roles in Sports Media, including a Sports Reporting role at a leading English daily. He is an avid tennis and NASCAR follower even when he is not writing about these sports, and looks up to the likes of Rafael Nadal and Jimmie Johnson.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Ayush_Majumdar-removebg-preview-1.png

Aayush Majumdar

figcaption

figure

strong

Front Row Motorsports Parts Ways With Crew Chief for Michael McDowell

Dale Jr Unmasks Teresa Earnhardt’s Refusal to Sell Him His Late Father’s Prized
Possession That Forced Relocation Move

Uncertain “Political Environment” Cause Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing
to Take a Major Sponsorship Hit

“They’re a Bunch of Morons”: Dale Earnhardt Jr Baffled by His Employees’ Texas
Hypocrisy Post Their “Entertaining” Verdict

‘Selfish’ Kyle Larson Drops a 5-word Bomb on NASCAR’s Practice Debacle

Kyle Busch Enters Late Model Racing Steering Away From Compatriots Kevin Harvick
and Dale Jr for $40,000

US Army rides in style & safety! NASCAR champs win acclaim for reinforced Chevy troop carriers 

Hendrick Tech for Army Trucks

Rumors of SHR downsizing fly as sponsorships dry up & Michael Jordan’s team eyes a ‘bargain’


23XI Frontrunners For A Third Car?

We remember a racing legend whose name isn't as widely known as the brand he helped build.

Forgotten Brother Behind Chevrolet’s Legacy

Delving into the business intricacies of the sports world ft. Chloe V. Mitchell

Exclusive unheard NBA stories with dunk master Austin Fritts

3 Time Mr. Olympia Frank Zane- The Chemist who made Arnold Schwarzenegger cry


MILLION DOLLAR BLING, Saudi Arabian Glory, World Title and More  Ft. Impa Kasanganay

<h1 style="text-align: center">Front Row Motorsports: 2024 Net Worth, Stats, Owners and More</h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is Front Row Motorsports?</strong></h2>
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 <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/hendrick-motorsports/">Hendrick Motorsports</a> or <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/joe-gibbs-racing/">Joe Gibbs Racing</a>, this small team, reportedly with only 60 employees and often second-hand equipment, surely packs a punch.

[caption id="attachment_2651501" align="alignnone" width="6075"]<img class="wp-image-2651501 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-17T000710Z_920687062_MT1USATODAY22540505_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-CUP-PRACTICE.jpg" alt="" width="6075" height="4050" /> Feb 16, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA;NASCAR Cup Series driver Michael McDowell (34) during practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>The History of Front Row Motorsports</strong></h2>
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.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Why is the team named Front Row Motorsports?</strong></h2>
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.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Front Row Motorsports Net Worth 2024</strong></h2>
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.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Front Row Motorsports Drivers</strong></h2>
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.

[caption id="attachment_769555" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-769555 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1335326629.jpg" alt="NASCAR driver Todd Gilliland" width="1920" height="1278" /> MADISON, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 20: Todd Gilliland, driver of the #38 Crosley Brands Ford, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Toyota 200 presented by CK Power at Gateway Motorsports Park on August 20, 2021 in Madison, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Curry/Getty Images)[/caption]

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 <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/watkins-glen-international/">Watkins Glen International</a>, over a decade ago, in 2013.

Kaz Grala joined the team ahead of the 2024 season.

[caption id="attachment_514511" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-514511 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210114112728/GettyImages-645105626.jpg" alt="Kaz Grala" width="1920" height="1280" /> DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 24: Kaz Grala, driver of the #33 KiklosGreekExtraVirginOliveOil Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane by putting a winner's sticker on his truck during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 24, 2017 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images)[/caption]

As for Layne Riggs, the driver also joined Front Row Motorsports ahead of the 2024 season.

[caption id="attachment_2704517" align="alignnone" width="5841"]<img class="wp-image-2704517 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-2013689728.jpg" alt="Layne Riggs" width="5841" height="3894" /> DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 15: Layne Riggs, driver of the #38 Love's RV Stops Ford, looks on during practice for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fresh from Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2024 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Front Row Motorsports Partnerships and Endorsements</strong></h2>
The team enjoys a partnership with brands like Ford Performance, startup accelerator company gener8tor, lubricants and penetrants brand B'laster, <span style="font-weight: 400">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.</span>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Front Row Motorsports Major Achievements and Awards</strong></h2>
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 <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/daytona-500/">Daytona 500</a> beating Hendrick Motorsports' <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/chase-elliott/">Chase Elliott</a> in P2 and <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/richard-childress-racing/">Richard Childress Racing</a>'s <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/austin-dillon/">Austin Dillon</a> 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 <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/indianapolis-motor-speedway/">Indianapolis Motor Speedway</a>, relegating Chase Elliott to P2 yet again.

[caption id="attachment_552592" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-552592 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210215122433/2021-02-15T053922Z_1084641816_MT1USATODAY15576880_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-DAYTONA-500.jpg" alt="Michael McDowell celebrating the Daytona 500" width="1920" height="1280" /> Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Michael McDowell (34) celebrates winning the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

McDowell also reached the playoffs in 2021 and 2023, finishing 16th and 15th in the drivers' standings, respectively.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Front Row Motorsports-Team Penske Technical Alliance</strong></h2>
The Bob Jenkins-owned team also enjoys a technical alliance with the Cup Series championship winning team, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/team-penske/">Team Penske</a>, that began in 2024. Earlier, they had been in partnership with another Cup Series team, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/rfk-racing/">RFK Racing</a>, since 2016.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Front Row Motorsports Social Media</strong></h2>
While Front Row Motorsports doesn't have an official website, they are quite active on social media.
<table style="width: 49.9837%;height: 96px">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 26.8698%;height: 24px"><strong>Social Media: </strong></td>
<td style="width: 116.295%;height: 24px"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 26.8698%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td style="width: 116.295%"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/team_frm/"> https://www.instagram.com/team_frm/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 26.8698%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td style="width: 116.295%"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports/"> https://www.facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 26.8698%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td style="width: 116.295%"><a href="https://twitter.com/Team_FRM"> https://twitter.com/Team_FRM</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<table style="width: 49.1795%;height: 288px">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 18.7005%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 81.6165%;height: 24px">Front Row Motorsports</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 18.7005%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Owners</span></td>
<td style="width: 81.6165%;height: 24px">Bob Jenkins</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 18.7005%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Base</span></td>
<td style="width: 81.6165%;height: 24px">Mooresville, North Carolina</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 18.7005%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Series</span></td>
<td style="width: 81.6165%;height: 24px">NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 18.7005%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Race Drivers</span></td>
<td style="width: 81.6165%;height: 24px">Todd Gilliland, Michael McDowell, Kaz Grala</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 18.7005%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Sponsors</span></td>
<td style="width: 81.6165%;height: 24px">Ford Performance, gener8tor, B'laster, <span style="font-weight: 400">Love’s RV, Benebone, Rudebusch Development and Construction, Quincy Compressor</span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 18.7005%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Manufacturer</span></td>
<td style="width: 81.6165%;height: 24px">Ford</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 18.7005%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Founded</span></td>
<td style="width: 81.6165%;height: 24px">2004</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 18.7005%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Last Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 81.6165%;height: 24px">2024 Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 18.7005%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 81.6165%;height: 24px">NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: 1</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 18.7005%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Race Victories</span></td>
<td style="width: 81.6165%;height: 24px"><b>Total</b>: 12
<b>NASCAR Cup Series</b>: 4
<b>Nationwide Series</b>: 0
<b>Truck Series</b>: 8</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 18.7005%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td style="width: 81.6165%;height: 24px">$30 million (As of February 2020)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;

Front Row Motorsports

Here's everything you need to know about NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series team Front Row Motorsports' Net Worth, Stats, Drivers, Achievements and more!

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

Front Row Motorsports Archives

NASCAR

NASCAR Archives

LatestNASCAR - EssentiallySports News | EssentiallySports

<h1 style="text-align: center"><b>NASCAR Cup Series: Origin, Teams and More</b></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the NASCAR Cup Series?</strong></h2>
NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) is the authorizing body for stock-vehicle racing in North America. It was established in 1948 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Currently, the organization fields four types of tracks: Intermediate tracks, Superspeedways, Short Tracks and Road Courses.

[caption id="attachment_2675743" align="alignnone" width="5162"]<img class="wp-image-2675743 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-20T005209Z_1919194866_MT1USATODAY22564783_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-DAYTONA-500.jpg" alt="NASCAR" width="5162" height="3322" /> Feb 19, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series drivers Corey LaJoie (7), Kyle Busch (8) and A.J. Allmendinger (16) race three wide for the lead during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Origin</strong></h2>
The first-ever NASCAR race was held at Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway on June 19, 1949 and Christian David "Jim" Roper was the victor after racer Glen Dunaway was disqualified for making illegal adjustments to his car.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On this day in 1949, NASCAR held its first-ever "Strictly Stock" race.</p>
Thirty-three drivers raced at Charlotte Speedway, six of which were future NASCAR Hall of Famers. Jim Roper was declared the winner following a disqualification to Glenn Dunaway. <a href="https://t.co/yBUDRcRxVo">pic.twitter.com/yBUDRcRxVo</a>

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/1670832065690972160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote>

<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Why is it named Cup Series? </strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup Series is the pinnacle of the racing arrangement in the NASCAR classification. The arrangement started in 1949 and was called the Strictly Stock Division. The series was subsequently known as the Grand National Division from 1950 to 1970.

Then, in 1971, it started renting its naming rights to the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and was alluded to as the NASCAR Winston Cup Series till 2003. From the next year onwards, the series came to be known as the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series till 2007 after a partnership with Nextel.

Sprint obtained Nextel in 2005 and 2008 saw the arrangement being renamed as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Sprint remained the sponsor of the NASCAR Cup from 2008 to 2016. It was reported in December 2016 that Monster Energy would be the sponsor; therefore, the arrangement was renamed the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series from 2017 to 2019.

However, after decades of name changes, in 2017, the organization finally decided to shed off its old image and simply be named as the NASCAR Cup Series, with series sponsors being called 'Premier Partners'.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the format of the Cup Series?</strong></h2>
The NASCAR points system has been a complicated affair to say the least. Over the years, the organization has tried several iterations, namely the Latford system, the Chase and the current elimination playoffs format among others, to discern one that would be fair to each driver.

While the earlier system saw drivers being awarded points on the basis of prize money in a particular race, in 1972 a new format was introduced. This time the points were awarded on the basis of laps completed. However, even that came with its own flaws and just two years later, in 1974, the organization introduced point calculation based on a mathematical formula. However, given the complexity of the equation, Bill France Jr, the former CEO of NASCAR decided to step in and call upon his close friend Bob Latford, to come up with an efficient way, which later came to be known as Boot Hill Format or the Latford Model.

With equal points awarded in all races, as New York Times aptly put it: <em>"Mr. Latford set up his points scale to reward consistency rather than flashes of brilliance, and drivers seem to like it that way."</em>

This system was perhaps the longest-running one during that time, being replaced in 2003, by The Chase format. Currently, the NASCAR Cup Series operates on the Playoff Format. The schedule consists of 31 oval races, 4 road course races, one street track race, and 4 non-championship races to be held on ovals. This also includes 16 playoff races, with four elimination rounds, namely, Round of 16, Round of 12, Round of 4 and Championship 4.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Teams</strong></h2>
As of 2024, the NASCAR Cup Series has 16 full-time teams participating and three manufacturers, namely Toyota, Chevrolet and Ford. As for the team with the most number of victories and championship, Hendrick Motorsports has has an undebatable upper hand, with 305 Cup Series wins and 14 drivers championships.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Venue</strong></h2>
The first championship race was reportedly held at Martinsville Speedway, a half-mile oval, on October 16, 1949. Currently, the final race of a Cup season is held at the Phoenix Raceway, which is a one-mile, low-banked tri-oval race track located in Avondale, Arizona, near Phoenix.

[caption id="attachment_1351857" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1351857 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-11-07T003206Z_1075855806_MT1USATODAY19376372_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-CUP-CHAMPIONSHIP.jpg" alt="Joey Logano NASCAR" width="1920" height="1289" /> Nov 6, 2022; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano (22) races in the final laps of the Cup championship at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Championship</strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup Series hosts three different championship under one name: The Driver's Championship, the Owner's Championship and the Manufacturer's Championship. The driver's championship as the name suggests is the award given to the driver that has emerged as the winner at the end of a season. On the other hand, the Owner's Championship aims to reward the team at the top of the points standings. The driver with the most championship wins are Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson. Additionally, Rick Hendrick-owned Hendrick Motorsports has won a record-breaking 14 championships till date.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1195372 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/ezgif.com-gif-maker-3-78.jpg" alt="Richard Petty Dale Earnhardt NASCAR" width="1850" height="1253" />

On a similar note, the Manufacturer's Championship sees Original Equipment Manufacturers(OEMs) being awarded a championship based on how races their cars managed to dominate and the points accumulated. In this regard, US-based manufacturer Chevrolet has racked up the most Cup Series wins at 42, followed by Ford at 17, and Toyota at 3.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Track Types</strong></h2>
As mentioned earlier, the NASCAR Cup series organizes its races on four different types of tracks, namely, Intermediate tracks, Superspeedways, Short Tracks and Road Courses.

When it comes to Intermediate tracks, it simply means <em>"any track greater than one mile in length, with the exception of both Daytona and Talladega" </em>according to the official NASCAR website and currently the Cup Series drivers compete on the following Intermediate tracks/Speedways :
<ul>
 	<li>Atlanta Motor Speedway (1.540-mile, Quad-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Charlotte Motor Speedway (1.500-mile Quad-Oval, including a 2.280 miles Road Course)</li>
 	<li>Darlington Raceway (1.366-mile, Egg-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Dover Motor Speedway (1.000-mile, Concrete Oval)</li>
 	<li>Homestead-Miami Speedway (1.500-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Kansas Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Michigan International Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Nashville Superspeedway (1.333-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1.058-mile, Paperclip Oval)</li>
 	<li>Phoenix Raceway (1.000-mile, Dogleg Oval)</li>
 	<li>Texas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Quad-Oval)</li>
 	<li>World Wide Technology Raceway (1.250-mile, Egg-Shaped Oval)</li>
</ul>
On the other hand, Superspeedways ae oval road courses of two miles or longer. Currently, the NASCAR Cup Series has the following Superspeedways:
<ul>
 	<li>Auto Club Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Chicagoland Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Daytona International Speedway (2.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Kentucky Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Pocono Raceway (2.500-mile, Triangular Oval)</li>
 	<li>Talladega Superspeedway (2.660-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
</ul>
The short tracks (less than 1 mile in length) that are part of NASCAR are:
<ul>
 	<li>Bristol Motor Speedway (0.533-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Eldora Speedway (0.500-mile, Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Iowa Speedway (0.875-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Knoxville Raceway (0.500-mile, Oval</li>
 	<li>Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum)</li>
 	<li>Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (0.686-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Martinsville Speedway (0.526-mile, Paperclip Oval)</li>
 	<li>Milwaukee Mile Speedway (1.015-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>North Wilkesboro Speedway (0.625-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Richmond Raceway (0.750-mile, D-shaped Oval)</li>
</ul>
As for Road Courses, NASCAR makes use of the following race tracks:
<ul>
 	<li>Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (2.459-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Chicago Street Race (2.14 miles)</li>
 	<li>Circuit of the Americas (3.426-mile)</li>
 	<li>DAYTONA Road Course (4.170-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (2.400-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Portland International Raceway (1.967-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Road America(4.048-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Sebring Raceway (3.741 mi, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Sonoma Raceway (1.99-mile)</li>
 	<li>Watkins Glen International (2.45-mile)</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Crown Jewel Races</strong></h2>
While NASCAR has several racetracks that it competes on, there are a couple venues that are held in high regards. Currently there are four such venues/races, namely the Daytona 500 held at the Daytona International Speedway, the Coca-Cola 500 held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway , the Brickyard 400/Verizon 200 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Southern 500 at the Darlington Raceway.

Till date, Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman and retired NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon has the most number of Crown Jewel race wins (21), followed by Legacy Motor Club team owner Jimmie Johnson (14) and retired NASCAR driver Bobby Allison (13).

[caption id="attachment_1691261" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1691261 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Jimmie-Johnson-Jeff-Gordon.jpg" alt="Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon" width="1920" height="1280" /> January 20, 2017 - Charlotte, North Carolina, USA - Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Gordon introduce Rick Hendrick at the NASCAR Motorsport USA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, January 20, 2017, in Charlotte, N.C. Rick Hendrick was inducted into the Hall of Fame with Richard Childress, Mark Martin, Raymond Parks, and Benny Parsons. 2017 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - ZUMAw123 20170120_zap_w123_024[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Cars</strong></h2>
NASCAR is an ever-evolving sport and till date, there have been several iterations of the cars used during races. If we go back to the very inception of the sport, the first kind of vehicle that was used used to be called Generation - 1 (1948-1966), followed by Generation - 2 (1967-1980) and Generation - 3 (1981-1991). Later the Generation - 4 (1992 to 2007) was introduced , and then Generation - 5 (2007 -2012) and Generation - 6 (2013-2021) came into play. And currently, NASCAR features the Generation - 7 car that is also known as the Next-Gen.

Anothe notable model was the Generation - 5. Dubbed as the<em> "Car of Tomorrow"</em>, this model featured flaunted prominent front splitters under the bumpers and larger rear wings. Apart from that, according to NASCAR, the car also had <em>"significant safety advancements and a return to symmetrical bodies". </em>

[caption id="attachment_2651610" align="alignnone" width="3461"]<img class="wp-image-2651610 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-16T030626Z_974940649_MT1USATODAY22533198_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-BLUEGREEN-VACATIONS-DUEL-1-AT-DAYTONA.jpg" alt="" width="3461" height="2307" /> Feb 15, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. (19) during the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Street Course</strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup Series has come a long way since its initial days. The organization has always been open to developments and one of the most exciting ones came in 2023,when the tourney made its Street Course debut at Chicago.

In a bid to turn make the schedule even more exciting, NASCAR officials were reportedly in talks with Chicago authorities for a number of years, with one attempt of a Chicago street race even dating back to the 1980s. However, owing to political pressure, that plan failed to materialize. Now, fast forward to four decades later and authorities were finally geared up to host an exciting, first-of-its-kind race in downtown Chicago.

[caption id="attachment_1911252" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1911252 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-07-03T052154Z_1117738559_MT1USATODAY20983749_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-GRANT-PARK-220.jpg" alt="NASCAR" width="1920" height="1280" /> Jul 2, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; A general view as cars race along Grant Park during the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race viewed from the NEMA Chicago buliding. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

Designed by race simulation video game developer iRacing, the race aimed to showcase the city's major landmarks such as the Buckingham Fountain, the Grant Park and the Soldier Field Stadium, among others.

The first iteration of the race came in July of 2023, with New Zealand born driver Shane van Gisbergen clinching victory in his first-ever NASCAR race. If that's not iconic, what is?

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2804674 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/F0HhwcqXoAI3_zb.jpeg" alt="" width="2048" height="1365" />
<table style="width: 75.2357%;height: 264px">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR Cup Series</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Place of Origin</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Year of Origin</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">1949</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">First Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR "Strictly Stock" Race, Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Last Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR Cup Series Spring Race at Martinsville Speedway, 2024</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Crown Jewel Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Daytona 500, Coca Cola 600, Brickyard 400/ Verizon 200, Southern 500</span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Drivers with the most Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Richard Petty (7), Dale Earnhardt (7) and Jimmie Johnson(7)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Team with the most Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Hendrick Motorsports (14)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">First Champion</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Red Byron</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Defending Champion</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Ryan Blaney (2023)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Defending Team</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Team Penske</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;

NASCAR Cup Series

Here's everything you need to know about the NASCAR Cup Series, its Origin, Teams, History, Venues, Crown Jewel Races and more!

NASCAR Cup Series: Origin, Teams and More

NASCAR Cup Series Archives

title

For the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, the Front Row Motorsports team were dealt a blow when crew chief Drew Blickensderfer parted ways

description

link

Front Row Motorsports Parts Ways With Crew Chief for Michael McDowell - EssentiallySports

https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-front-row-motorsports-parts-ways-with-crew-chief-for-michael-mcdowell/

https://www.facebook.com/essentiallysports

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210215124958/2021-02-15T053923Z_1345232059_MT1USATODAY15576881_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-DAYTONA-500.jpg

twitter:card

twitter:creator

twitter:site

twitter:label1

twitter:data1

script

Front Row Motorsports Archives - EssentiallySports

[caption id="attachment_552592" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-552592" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210215122433/2021-02-15T053922Z_1084641816_MT1USATODAY15576880_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-DAYTONA-500.jpg" alt="Michael McDowell" width="1920" height="1280" /> Feb 14, 2021; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Michael McDowell (34) celebrates winning the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2>Michael McDowell: 2021 Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsement</h2>
Michael McDowell is an American expert stock vehicle driver.?He contends full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 34 Ford Mustang for Front Row Motorsports.

Michael McDowell has been on a race track for nearly as long as he can remember. At the early age of three, McDowell started contending in bike motocross (BMX) occasions.

At eight years of age, he climbed into kart racing, venturing to every part of the nation for the following 10 years ? en route winning 18 continuous races, a World Karting Association title, and consecutive International Kart Federation titles.
<h2>Michael McDowell: Stats and Championships</h2>
?Proceeding to ascend the hustling stepping stool, McDowell went to sports vehicle dashing. He contended in 29 races in the Grand-Am Rolex Series more than four seasons (2004-2007), acquiring a win and a pole position, and completing as high as fourth in points.

In 2007, the young driver contended in his first full season in the ARCA Series. McDowell scored four wins and nine pole positions, guaranteeing the Rookie of the Year award and completing second in the title.

Later that very year, he experienced stock vehicle hustling's most significant levels when he got the opportunity to run a bunch of races in two of NASCAR's series, the Camping World Truck Series and the XFINITY Series.

The 23-year-old was hand-picked by Michael Waltrip Racing to run full-time on NASCAR's greatest stage, the NASCAR Cup Series, where he has now raced in 11 seasons. He additionally kept on hustling in the XFINITY Series, winning one race, six top-five, and 20 top-10 completions, and two pole positions in more than nine seasons. He acquired his best Cup arrangement profession finish in 2017, completing fourth at Daytona International Speedway.

McDowell carried his tremendous racing talent to Front Row Motorsports in 2018 to race the group's leader No. 34 Ford. That season, he procured a top 10, two top-15, and 10 top-20 finishes.

Michael won the prestigious Daytona 500, the opening race of the 2021 season.

[caption id="attachment_552665" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-552665" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210215124958/2021-02-15T053923Z_1345232059_MT1USATODAY15576881_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-DAYTONA-500.jpg" alt="Michael McDowell wins NASCAR Daytona 500" width="1920" height="1280" /> Feb 14, 2021; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Michael McDowell (34) celebrates winning the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2>Michael McDowell: 2021 Net Worth</h2>
According to <a href="https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/race-car-drivers/michael-mcdowell-net-worth/#:~:text=Michael%20McDowell%20Net%20Worth%3A%20Michael,the%20NASCAR%20Sprint%20Cup%20Series.">Celebrity net worth</a>, he has a net worth of $10 million.
<h2>Michael McDowell: Sponsors</h2>
Sponsors of Michael McDowell are Speedco, Loves, K&amp;N, Yanmar, Speedycash.
<h2>Michael McDowell: Family</h2>
McDowell is married to Jami and they have four kids, Trace, Emma, Rylie, and Lucas.

McDowell and Justin Marks at present own a karting office called the GoPro Motorplex, found 30 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina. The office opened in October 2012.
<h2>How to contact Michael McDowell</h2>
McDowell is very active and highly popular on social media. As a result, it's the most accessible and easiest method to keep in touch with the Cup Series driver.

Michael is on all the popular social media platforms such as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mc_driver/">Instagram</a>,?<a href="https://twitter.com/mc_driver">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MichaelMcdowell/">Facebook</a>. While these serve as an excellent platform for fan requests and interactions, Michael also has his own <a href="https://mmcdowell.com/">official website</a>.
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="301">Age</td>
<td width="301">36 Years</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Marital Status</td>
<td width="301">Married</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Residence</td>
<td width="301">Huntersville, North Carolina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Nationality</td>
<td width="301">American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Team</td>
<td width="301">Front Row Motorsports</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Endorsements</td>
<td width="301">Speedco, Loves, K&amp;N, Yanmar, Speedycash</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Net Worth</td>
<td width="301">$10 Million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Birthday</td>
<td width="301">December 21, 1984</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Michael McDowell

Feb 14, 2021; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Michael McDowell (34) celebrates winning the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Michael McDowell: 2021 Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsement Michael McDowell is an American expert stock vehicle driver.?He contends full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 34 Ford Mustang for Front Row Motorsports. Michael McDowell has been on a race track for nearly as long as he can remember. At the early age of three, McDowell started contending in bike motocross (BMX) occasions. At eight years of age, he climbed into kart racing, venturing to every part of the nation for the following 10 years ? en route winning 18 continuous races, a World Karting Association title, and consecutive International Kart Federation titles. Michael McDowell: Stats and Championships ?Proceeding to ascend the hustling stepping stool, McDowell went to sports vehicle dashing. He contended in 29 races in the Grand-Am Rolex Series more than four seasons (2004-2007), acquiring a win and a pole position, and completing as high as fourth in points. In 2007, the young driver contended in his first full season in the ARCA Series. McDowell scored four wins and nine pole positions, guaranteeing the Rookie of the Year award and completing second in the title. Later that very year, he experienced stock vehicle hustling&#8217;s most significant levels when he got the opportunity to run a bunch of races in two of NASCAR&#8217;s series, the Camping World Truck Series and the XFINITY Series. The 23-year-old was hand-picked by Michael Waltrip Racing to run full-time on NASCAR&#8217;s greatest stage, the NASCAR Cup Series, where he has now raced in 11 seasons. He additionally kept on hustling in the XFINITY Series, winning one race, six top-five, and 20 top-10 completions, and two pole positions in more than nine seasons. He acquired his best Cup arrangement profession finish in 2017, completing fourth at Daytona International Speedway. McDowell carried his tremendous racing talent to Front Row Motorsports in 2018 to race the group&#8217;s leader No. 34 Ford. That season, he procured a top 10, two top-15, and 10 top-20 finishes. Michael won the prestigious Daytona 500, the opening race of the 2021 season. Feb 14, 2021; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Michael McDowell (34) celebrates winning the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Michael McDowell: 2021 Net Worth According to Celebrity net worth, he has a net worth of $10 million. Michael McDowell: Sponsors Sponsors of Michael McDowell are Speedco, Loves, K&amp;N, Yanmar, Speedycash. Michael McDowell: Family McDowell is married to Jami and they have four kids, Trace, Emma, Rylie, and Lucas. McDowell and Justin Marks at present own a karting office called the GoPro Motorplex, found 30 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina. The office opened in October 2012. How to contact Michael McDowell McDowell is very active and highly popular on social media. As a result, it&#8217;s the most accessible and easiest method to keep in touch with the Cup Series driver. Michael is on all the popular social media platforms such as Instagram,?Twitter, and Facebook. While these serve as an excellent platform for fan requests and interactions, Michael also has his own official website.  Age 36 Years  Marital Status Married  Residence Huntersville, North Carolina  Nationality American  Team Front Row Motorsports  Endorsements Speedco, Loves, K&amp;N, Yanmar, Speedycash  Net Worth $10 Million  Birthday December 21, 1984

Front Row Motorsports Parts Ways With Crew Chief for Michael McDowell

McDowell’s win meant a lot to Front Row Motorsports and Blickensderfer