Seemingly confirming reports that it has secured a third ownership charter, Front Row Motorsports will expand to a three-car NASCAR Cup Series operation in 2024, the team revealed on Wednesday.
The expectation is that the organization has purchased one of the available Stewart-Haas Racing charters after that team announced its impending closure on Tuesday. It is also believed that it has purchased one of its two buildings in Kannapolis, North Carolina but that was not part of the release.
“It is good to get the news out now as we have a lot of work to do to prepare a new team,” said Jerry Freeze, FRM’s general manager. “All of us on the leadership team will be working through that, obtaining the parts and pieces needed for the new team. And, most importantly, adding to the dedicated and talented staff and culture that exists today within our organization.
“Starting a new team from scratch is always a challenge, but with the opportunities in front of us, the talent we have in our leadership, and a bit of a runway to get there, I am confident that we can produce three competitive programs out of the box for the 2025 season. We haven’t lost sight of what our goals for 2024 are, to get our teams into the playoffs for both series. If we can keep up the speed on track and have a little bit of luck to come our way, we can achieve our objectives.”
With the departure of Michael McDowell next season to Spire Motorsports, Front Row will have two seats to fill to pair alongside returning driver Todd Gilliland. The team also has a Ford Performance Tier 1 relationship to entice top drivers, crew chiefs and engineers.
“We have a very positive outlook on the future of NASCAR and as the sport plans for success, so do we,” Jenkins said. “Today that means having a plan for expanding back to three cars in the NASCAR Cup Series. I always have the vision to continue to grow and improve our team and that commitment and desire never changes. I am committed to the sport and its passionate fans and partners.”
The team also competes in the Truck Series, currently with first year driver and crew chief Layne Riggs and Dylan Cappello.
Matt Weaver is a Motorsports Insider for Sportsnaut. Follow him on Twitter.