Drew Blickensderfer | The MotorSportsNews.Net(work)

Noah Gragson to Drive No. 4 in 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Season

by MikeJanuary 3, 2025

Drew Blickensderfer to Call Shots for Gragson and Team

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 3, 2024) – Having secured Noah Gragson on a multi-year agreement in July to drive in the NASCAR Cup Series starting in 2025, Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is excited to announce Gragson will drive the No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, entering the team into a new era. (more…)

Back To Its Roots: NASCAR Celebrates 75th Anniversary With All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro

by MikeMay 18, 2023

To help celebrate the 75th anniversary of NASCAR, the sport is going back to its roots at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Deemed as the ‘Field of Dreams of Racing,’ this will be the first time the NASCAR Cup Series has returned to North Wilkesboro Speedway since 1996. It will also be first time, the NASCAR All-Star race and the All-Star Open will take place at 0.625-mile paved oval located just five miles outside North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

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FOX SPORTS ANNOUNCES FULL ROSTER OF DRIVER ANALYSTS FOR 2021 NASCAR XFINITY SERIES AND NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES

by MikeMarch 4, 2021

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Furthering its innovative move to feature active NASCAR drivers as guest analysts in the FOX NASCAR broadcast booth, FOX Sports again has assembled an all-star cast of competitors for its 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race telecasts. (more…)

Michael McDowell Aiming For Yet Another Place in History at DAYTONA Road Course

by MikeFebruary 18, 2021February 18, 2021

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2021) – Michael McDowell made history this past Sunday when he stunned the motorsports world by winning the 63^rd edition of the DAYTONA 500 for his first career triumph. Now, he has yet another opportunity to make history, joining an elite group that features two NASCAR Hall of Famers and a future one. All he needs is a win in Sunday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 at the DAYTONA Road Course. (more…)

Michael McDowell Reaps Traditional Rewards After Memorable DAYTONA 500 Triumph

by MikeFebruary 16, 2021February 16, 2021

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 15, 2021) – A day after one of the biggest upsets in the history of the DAYTONA 500, Michael McDowell and his team were honored Monday at Daytona International Speedway during a “Champion’s Celebration” inside the track’s Victory Lane, being awarded traditional gifts only awarded to DAYTONA 500 Champions! (more…)

Front Row Motorsports Announces 2021 Driver Lineup

by MikeJanuary 6, 2021January 6, 2021

Michael McDowell and Todd Gilliland Return, Anthony Alfredo Joins Team

David Ragan to Enter Daytona 500

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 6, 2021) – The 2021 Front Row Motorsports (FRM) driver lineup will feature both familiar and new faces to the organization. Michael McDowell will once again pilot the No. 34 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series, while Anthony Alfredo will drive the No. 38 Ford Mustang in his first year at the Cup level. Todd Gilliland will return to the No. 38 Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In addition, David Ragan will once again pilot the No. 36 Ford Mustang in the Daytona 500 after finishing fourth last season.

Alfredo will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut at the 2021 Daytona 500 and will compete for Sunoco Rookie-of-the-Year honors. A member of the 2018 NASCAR Next Class, Alfredo continues the youth movement at FRM. Having raced for owners Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Richard Childress, Alfredo has proven to be successful in a quick progression through the sport. He will work with veteran crew chief Seth Barbour in 2021.

“This is really an unbelievable moment,” said Alfredo. “When you start out racing karts as a kid, you dream of making it to the sport’s top level. I want to thank Bob Jenkins and everyone at Front Row Motorsports for making this dream a reality. I know the challenges ahead, but I’m here to work hard and prove myself.”

“We met Anthony and spent time with him when last season ended,” added owner, Bob Jenkins. “We wanted another young driver and someone that fit well into our team. We feel that Anthony is a great match and we look forward to this season together.”

McDowell returns to the wheel of the No. 34 alongside crew chief Drew Blickensderfer for their third- consecutive season together. McDowell and Blickensderfer had an organization-best season in 2020. The duo combined for four top-10 finishes – the most in the team’s history.

“Michael has really solidified his place as our veteran leader,” continued Jenkins. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that has helped us continue to grow our program.”

“Despite all of its challenges, our 2020 season was one of the best in FRM history,” said McDowell. “I feel like we’ve really been able to hit our stride and I’m excited to channel that momentum into a new season.”

Returning to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for his second season with Front Row Motorsports, Todd Gilliland will again work with crew chief Chris Lawson. Gilliland earned 10 top-10 and four top-five finishes in the 2020 season, leading FRM to a playoff berth in its first season in the series.

“Our debut season in the Truck Series with Todd was very successful,” said Jenkins. “We qualified for the Playoffs and had some great runs throughout the year. We’re excited to continue those accomplishments into the future.”

“I’m thrilled to return to Front Row Motorsports next year,” said Gilliland. “Bob has been great to drive for and we’ve got a solid foundation to build up our program moving forward.”

Finally, FRM will enter David Ragan in the Daytona 500 in the No. 36 Ford Mustang. Derrick Finley will partner with Ragan. The team finished fourth in last year’s 500 race.

Front Row Motorsports has competed full time in NASCAR’s premier series since 2009. The 2021 season will mark Front Row Motorsports’ 12th with Ford Performance, the team’s manufacturing partner since expanding to a multi-car organization in 2010.

FRM will announce all team partners leading into the Daytona 500 and throughout the season.

About Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Camping World Truck Series. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team– from its Mooresville, N.C., headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Michael McDowell Earns New Personal Best Finish at Bristol

by MikeJune 1, 2020

Track: Bristol Motor Speedway, 0.5 Mile Oval

Race: 9 of 38

Event: Supermarket Heroes 500 (266.5 miles, 500 laps)

Michael McDowell

No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang

Started: 25th

Finished: 14th

Stage One: 24th
Stage Two: 20th
Stage Three: 14th

Michael McDowell took the green flag in Sunday’s “Supermarket Heroes 500” at Bristol Motor Speedway from the 25th position. To start the race, McDowell mentioned that his No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang fired off, “a little free overall” and then noted on lap 23 that the track was finally beginning to take rubber. McDowell would go on to finish Stage 1 in the 24th position. Under the Stage 1 caution, Crew Chief Drew Blickensderfer made the call for 4 tires and fuel.

During Stage 2, the No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang began to tighten up as McDowell radioed to the team to say, “I’m tight in dirty air, which is weird here at Bristol.” Under a mid-stage caution, McDowell brought his Love’s Travel Stops Ford to pit road for 4 tires, fuel, a wedge adjustment and pulled left-rear spring rubber. To end Stage 2, McDowell noted that his race car was a lot better, finishing in the 20th position. During the Stage 2 caution, he pitted for 4 tires and fuel.

During the final stage of Sunday’s “Supermarket Heroes 500,” Michael McDowell and his No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang made their way inside of the top 15 and then top 10 before unfortunately being collected in a late-race collision. Thankfully, the No. 34 team was able to make the necessary repairs on pit road to keep their race car competitive. Ultimately, good strategy calls all day long by Blickensderfer and a late-race charge by McDowell would bring the No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang home 14th, earning McDowell a new personal best finishing position at Bristol Motor Speedway.

McDowell on Bristol:

“We had a great run going today at Bristol. My Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang was pretty close to the top 10, but unfortunately got involved in a mid-race collision and had some damage. Thankfully, Drew and my guys on pit road did a great job of making repairs and we recovered alright to get a few spots back at the end and finish 14th. Overall, Bristol has always been a tough track for us, so to be competitive and run up front made it a solid day.”

Michael McDowell Post Race Report: Charlotte – Alsco Uniforms 500

by MikeMay 29, 2020

Track: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 1.5 Mile Oval

Race: 8 of 38

Event: Alsco Uniforms 500 (312 miles, 208 laps)

Michael McDowell

No. 34 CarParts.com Ford Mustang

Started: 3rd

Finished: 25th

Stage One: 13th
Stage Two: 25th
Stage Three: 25th

Michael McDowell and his No. 34 CarParts.com Ford Mustang took Thursday’s rain delayed “Alsco Uniforms 500” from the 3rd position. The CarParts.com Ford ran strong inside of the top-10 for nearly all of Stage 1 before McDowell noted that his race car began to tighten up on entry into the corners. McDowell would go on to finish Stage 1 in the 13th position. Under the Stage 1 caution, Crew Chief Drew Blickensderfer made the call for 4 tires plus an air pressure and wedge adjustment.

During Stage 2, McDowell ran competitively inside of the top-20 through the first half of the stage before once again mentioning that his No. 34 CarParts.com Ford Mustang had a tough time on entry into the corners and would finish Stage 2 from the 25th position. On pit road, the No. 34 team did a good job of hustling to change 4 tires, add fuel and grille tape, and make both packer and spring rubber adjustments.

Taking the green flag in Stage 3, Michael McDowell continued to battle a tight No. 34 CarParts.com Ford Mustang. Again, Drew Blickensderfer and the No. 34 team did a nice job of making multiple adjustments on pit road to try and better their race car. Unfortunately, McDowell ran out of time to make a charge towards the front, taking the checkered flag 25th at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

McDowell on Charlotte:

“It was an up and down night at Charlotte Motor Speedway for our No. 34 CarParts.com Ford Mustang. We fired off extremely well and ran competitively inside of the top-10 for the majority of Stage 1. However as daylight faded and the track temperature began to change, our race car started to tighten up on entry into the corners, making it tough to carry speed through the turns; something we battled all night long. Drew and my guys fought hard on pit road to make multiple adjustments on our No. 34 CarParts.com Ford Mustang, but we just ran out of time at the end. I have to thank CarParts.com for coming on board our No. 34 Ford Mustang tonight at Charlotte. They’ve been a great partner of Front Row Motorsports and I hope to have them back on our No. 34 car later this season.”

Michael McDowell Post Race Report: Charlotte

by MikeMay 25, 2020

Track: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 1.5 Mile Oval

Race: 7 of 38

Event: Coca-Cola 600 (600 miles, 400 laps)

Michael McDowell

No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang

Started: 27th

Finished: 19th

Stage One: 29th
Stage Two: 24th
Stage Three: 21st
Stage Four: 19th

With the name of Sergeant First Class John Jarrell printed on his No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang, Michael McDowell took the green flag in Sunday’s Coca Cola 600 from the 27th position. McDowell noted early in Stage 1 that the bumps in Turns 3 and 4 were playing a factor in his race and would take the green-white checkered flag from the 29th position. Under the stage 1 caution, Crew Chief Drew Blickensderfer called for 4 tires, fuel, pulled packer and a trackbar adjustment.

Taking the green flag in Stage 2, McDowell mentioned that the calls on pit road definitely helped his No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang as he ran comfortably inside of the top 25 throughout the stage and would go on to finish Stage 2 in 24th. Under the Stage 2 caution, McDowell came to pit road for 4 tires, fuel and added grille tape.

Throughout Stage 3, the No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops team did a good job of steadily making improvements to their Ford Mustang as McDowell knocked on the door of the top 20 all stage long, finishing Stage 3 in the 21st position. During the stage, McDowell noted that his car was on the tight side to begin, however became more free as he raced. Under the Stage 3 caution, the No. 34 Love’s Travel Stop Ford Mustang pitted for 4 tires, fuel and a trackbar adjustment.

In the final stage of the Coca Cola 600, Michael McDowell and his No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops team picked up right where they left off in Stage 3 by running in the 21st position for a majority of the final stage. With 2 laps remaining in the race, the caution flag flew making McDowell the Lucky Dog, which put him back on the lead lap for the overtime restart and would go on to take the checkered flag in the 19th position.

McDowell on Charlotte:

“Our No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang had a tough time getting over the bumps in Turns 3 and 4 to start today’s Coca-Cola 600, but Drew and my guys on pit road did a good job of making adjustments all race long to get us more competitive. Thankfully, we caught a lucky caution with 2 laps to go and were able to get back on the lead lap. It was great to have Love’s Travel Stops back on board with us and I’m proud to have been able to represent Sergeant First Class John Jarrell on my car. We’ll regroup at the shop tomorrow and look ahead to coming back even stronger at Charlotte on Wednesday.”

Michael McDowell Post-Race Report: Darlington 2

by MikeMay 21, 2020

Track: Darlington Raceway, 1.36 Mile Oval

Race: 6 of 38

Event: Toyota 500 (311.4 miles, 228 laps)

Michael McDowell

No. 34 CarParts.com Ford Mustang

Started: 23rd

Finished: 17th

Stage One: 27th
Stage Two: 23rd
Stage Three: 17th

Michael McDowell and his No. 34 CarParts.com Ford Mustang took the green flag in Wednesday’s “Toyota 500” from the 23rd position at Darlington Raceway. As the caution flag flew on Lap 4, he noted that his CarParts.com Ford Mustang, “seemed to fire off better,” compared to Sunday’s “Real Heroes 400.” The team made both trackbar and wedge adjustments under multiple cautions and would go on to finish Stage 1, 27th.

During Stage 2, McDowell battled hard inside of the top-20 for a majority of the stage as Crew Chief Drew Blickensderfer made the call to stay out under the Lap 72 caution to gain track position. He was able to stay inside of the top-20 until the caution flag flew again on Lap 108. McDowell mentioned that his No. 34 CarParts.com Ford Mustang was tight in the center of the corners in traffic, so the team took 4 tires, fuel and a trackbar adjustment. McDowell would finish Stage 2 from the 23rd position.

Under the Stage 2 caution, McDowell and his CarParts.com Ford Mustang came down pit road for 4 tires, fuel and a trackbar adjustment in hopes of loosening up his tight race car for the final stage. During Stage 3, the adjustments made under caution prevailed as McDowell drove his CarParts.com Ford inside of the top-15. However, with less than 30 laps remaining, Mother Nature had other plans as rain began to fall and cars were called to pit road, where McDowell would finish the Toyota 500 from the 17th position.

McDowell on Darlington:

“It was a solid night for our No. 34 CarParts.com Ford Mustang. We definitely made improvements from our first race at Darlington Raceway, unfortunately the last restart didn’t go our way. The inside line was just really hard to get going and we lost a couple of spots, finishing 17th. We raced around a lot of competitive cars today and I felt really good. Everybody at Front Row Motorsports did a really good job this week, we just need a little bit more and we’ll be right where we want to be. All in all, it was a really good day. We built some confidence and my guys did a really good job on pit road. Lastly, I want to thank CarParts.com for coming on board for both Darlington races. I’ve really enjoyed promoting their brand all week long.”