What’s Happening?

Michael McDowell is on the move for 2025. He will join Spire Motorsports on a multi-year deal driving the No. 71 car. This comes the same day as McDowell announced his departure from Front Row Motorsports.

• Spire Motorsports has been quite active throughout the last couple of Silly Seasons. They bought out Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2023 and purchased a charter to expand from a 2 car Cup Series team with a part-time Truck Series team, to a 3-car Cup Series operation with 3 full-time Truck Series teams plus the alliance with Rev Racing in the Truck Series.
• McDowell will leave Front Row Motorsports after 7 full-time and 2 Playoff appearances in the past 3 seasons. He will have to attract new sponsorship as Bob Pockrass reports that Love’s Travel Stops will likely stick with Front Row Motorsports.
• Fans are excited to see what Spire will do with McDowell in 2024. They are also curious as to what this means for Zane Smith.

Quotes From the Press Release

This is a new chapter for my family and me, and we’re incredibly thankful for the opportunity that’s in front of us. It’s going to take some hard work, but I feel like everything is in place for us to be successful as a race team — to win races and contend for championships. People are the greatest asset to any organization, and with Spire’s vision, ambition, knowledge, and dedication, we will achieve great things. Failure is not an option, and that’s the mindset that it will take to achieve our goals.

Michael McDowell

Michael McDowell is a proven winner and brings a NASCAR Playoff pedigree,” said Spire Motorsports president Doug Duchardt. “Michael has always been committed to elevate his teams. His experience and enthusiasm are a perfect fit for Spire Motorsports, and we are sure he will be a great teammate to both Carey LaJoie and Carson Hocevar. We’re thrilled to keep up the positive momentum by adding someone as accomplished as Michael to our driver lineup…Our 2024 plan for the No. 71 team remains unchanged. Spire Motorsports fully supports Zane Smith and Stephan Doran. We remain committed to the success of our collaboration with Trackhouse. That team is just beginning to realize its potential. We’re looking forward to seeing how the Rookie of the Year battle plays out between Zane and Carson.

Doug Durchardt: Spire Motorsports Team President

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