As the NASCAR Cup Series season winds down, the spotlight inevitably shifts to the championship contenders. But what about the teams left on the sidelines? Front Row Motorsports (FRM) had high hopes for 2025, yet they've found themselves mired in a season of struggles. Let's delve into what went wrong for a team that seemed poised for a breakthrough.
The Promise of 2025:
Heading into the season, FRM had reason for optimism. Despite losing veteran driver Michael McDowell, Todd Gilliland showed promising growth in 2024, climbing to 22nd in points. While not a flashy performer, Gilliland consistently battled for top-20 finishes, a marked improvement from his previous seasons. Zane Smith, returning to FRM after a challenging rookie year elsewhere, brought with him the potential for resurgence, having shown glimpses of brilliance in the latter half of 2024. The addition of Noah Gragson, a driver with untapped potential, further fueled hopes for a competitive FRM.
Expansion and Expectations:
FRM expanded to a three-car team in 2025, a bold move considering their past struggles with multiple cars. However, their growing partnership with Ford and the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing seemed to signal a favorable climate for this expansion. Gragson, coming from SHR, represented a fresh start and a potential game-changer for the team.
A Season of Disappointment:
Unfortunately, the optimism hasn't translated into results. With only three races remaining, FRM has a meager two top-five finishes, ten top-10s, and a mere 37 laps led. Gilliland sits 30th in points, Gragson a disappointing 33rd, and Smith, the best of the trio, languishes in 27th. This is a far cry from the aspirations FRM held at the season's outset.
Comparisons and Contrasts:
The stark reality is that every other multi-car Cup Series team has at least one driver outperforming all three FRM drivers. Teams like Spire Motorsports, Legacy Motor Club, and Kaulig Racing have either improved or maintained their 2024 performance levels. Even RFK Racing, despite a lackluster season, has all three of its Fords ahead of FRM, highlighting their stagnation within the Ford ranks.
The Weight of Legal Battles:
But here's where it gets controversial: The ongoing antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR has undoubtedly taken a toll on FRM. While 23XI Racing has been more vocal about the lawsuit, FRM has been involved from the beginning, with team owner Bob Jenkins investing significant time and energy behind the scenes. This legal battle has likely diverted resources and focus away from on-track performance.
Charter Woes and Financial Strain:
Adding insult to injury, FRM lost their charter status earlier this year due to the lawsuit, along with the crucial bonus money that comes with it. As a team without deep pockets, this financial blow has been significant. Their ability to sustain themselves as an open team without charters is questionable, especially if they don't regain them.
The McDowell Effect:
And this is the part most people miss: The departure of Michael McDowell may have had a more profound impact than initially thought. McDowell was responsible for two of FRM's four wins, including the prestigious Daytona 500 in 2021 and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course victory in 2023. His ability to extract maximum performance from FRM's cars was a key factor in their past successes.
Personnel Shifts and Growing Pains:
Offseason personnel changes further complicated matters. Gilliland's move to the No. 34 car meant a new crew chief, while Gragson's No. 4 team consisted largely of SHR transplants. While acquiring SHR personnel seemed like a strategic move, the expansion hasn't yet yielded the desired results.
A Cloudy Future:
FRM's future looks uncertain. While their young drivers need time to develop, the ongoing lawsuit and financial pressures cast a long shadow. If FRM doesn't survive the legal battle, their drivers may not get the time they need, and the team could face closure after 20 years in the Cup Series.
What do you think? Can FRM rebound in 2026, or will the challenges prove too great? Will the lawsuit ultimately determine their fate? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
