Michael McDowell and Todd Gilliland will return to Front Row Motorsports for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season the organization announced on Thursday morning.
Front Row Motorsports had a combined 14 top-10 finishes in 2022 between their two NASCAR Cup Series teams, which is an all-time record for the team. It was important that the organization brought back the two drivers responsible for the big year.
“Michael and Todd are an intricate part of continuing our NASCAR Cup Series success in 2023,” said Jerry Freeze, General Manager. “Michael and the No. 34 team are coming off a record year, and we believe with Travis Peterson, they will only build on that success and have an even better season.”
“Todd showed us growth in his rookie campaign,” continued Freeze. “The addition of Ryan as the crew chief, and the promotion of Seth, we believe we’re making changes to give Todd what he needs to improve.”
McDowell, who will have Travis Peterson as his new crew chief this season, is ready to pick up where he left off after a career year in 2022.
“I’ve been really fortunate to find a home at Front Row Motorsports and to race for Bob Jenkins,” said McDowell. “We’ve accomplished so much together, and I feel strongly that we’re just going to continue to improve. We have work ahead of us, but Travis and this team are more than capable of having another great season. I’m grateful for all the partners who support this team and we’re going to fight hard to get back into the Playoffs in 2023.”
Gilliland, who is entering his second season in the NASCAR Cup Series, will have Ryan Bergenty as his new crew chief. Gilliland, like McDowell, is ready to hit the ground running.
“Although the number will be the same on our No. 38 Ford Mustang, we have major changes heading into 2023,” said Gilliland. “I know that Ryan will help elevate our program and give us a fresh start. Having a full season in the Cup Series under my belt, I feel that I’m better prepared, too. I’m ready to go.”
Michael McDowell finished 23rd in the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series championship standings, in large part to a 100-point penalty following a NASCAR R&D trip for his No. 34 car after Pocono Raceway. Gilliland ended the year 28th in points in his rookie season.
