Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is an American professional stock car racing team competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Founded in 2004, FRM has established a reputation as a resilient small-budget team, achieving notable victories and consistent growth while competing against larger, better-funded organizations. The team currently fields Ford Mustang Dark Horse cars in the NASCAR Cup Series and Ford F-Series trucks in the Truck Series.

Early Days and Background

FRM began as Means-Jenkins Motorsports in 2004, founded through a partnership between veteran racer Jimmy Means and restaurant entrepreneur Bob Jenkins. Jenkins took full ownership in 2005. Operating initially on limited schedules with underfunded equipment, FRM evolved through persistence and strategic alliances. Jenkins, whose background includes ownership of multiple Yum! Brands franchises and transportation logistics companies, has provided steady financial backing. The team operates out of Mooresville, North Carolina, in a facility shared with former racing teams. FRM struggled early in intermediate and larger tracks but developed a specialty at superspeedways starting around 2011. Breakout success came with the addition of skilled restrictor-plate racers David Ragan and David Gilliland, culminating in their first win at Talladega Superspeedway in 2013.

Driver Lineup

For the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, FRM fields three full-time Ford Mustang Dark Horse entries:

• No. 4 Ford Mustang: Driven by Noah Gragson, a driver acquired from Stewart-Haas Racing starting in 2025.

• No. 34 Ford Mustang: Driven by Todd Gilliland, a driver with FRM since 2022, showing steady improvement and locked with a multi-year contract.

• No. 38 Ford Mustang: Driven by Zane Smith, a young driver loaned from Trackhouse Racing.

Throughout its history, FRM has had notable drivers such as Michael McDowell, who brought the team its most famous win at the 2021 Daytona 500, and David Ragan and Chris Buescher, who also brought victories. Crew chiefs vary by car, with experienced leaders supporting each driver; specific current crew chief names can vary with season progresses.

In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, FRM runs Ford F-Series trucks including the No. 34 driven by Layne Riggs and No. 38 driven by Chandler Smith.

Net Worth

As a privately owned team, Front Row Motorsports does not publicly disclose exact net worth figures. However, owning multiple charters in the Cup Series and maintaining competitive operations across two major NASCAR series implies a multi-million-dollar valuation. Bob Jenkins’s personal business success provides substantial backing, enabling sustained team growth and competitive performance despite the relatively small size of the operation (around 60 employees).

Legacy in NASCAR

Front Row Motorsports is known for punching above its weight class. The team’s first Cup Series win came in 2013 at Talladega with David Ragan, an upset over dominant powerhouses. It added further wins at Pocono (2016, with Chris Buescher), and most notably the 2021 Daytona 500 with Michael McDowell. In 2023, McDowell also won the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard, marking FRM’s first time leading the most laps in a race, signaling a growing competitive stature. FRM is characterized by its technical alliances, originally with Roush Fenway Racing (later RFK Racing) from 2016, providing equipment and technical support, and switching to Team Penske in 2024 to enhance competitiveness. The team operates with a budget that is a fraction of NASCAR’s giants but continues to be a thorn in the side of larger teams, especially at superspeedways and road courses.

Recent Controversies

In October 2024, Front Row Motorsports, alongside 23XI Racing, filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR concerning updated charter agreements and alleged anti-competitive practices by the France family. A preliminary injunction was granted allowing these teams to race as chartered entries in 2025 while litigation continues. However, in June 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals overturned the injunction. These legal actions highlight ongoing tensions in NASCAR’s governance and team rights but have not directly affected on-track performance.

Key Highlights from Seasons 2024 and 2025

The 2024 season saw FRM field three competitive entries with notable performances from Todd Gilliland and Michael McDowell, who secured multiple top-10s and played key roles in highlighting the team’s progress. The season included McDowell’s historic win at the 2021 Daytona 500 continuing to influence team morale. In 2025, FRM expanded its Cup Series operations by acquiring an additional charter after legal settlement motions, bringing Noah Gragson from Stewart-Haas Racing to drive the No. 4 car, while McDowell departed for Spire Motorsports. The alliance with Team Penske began, aimed at increased technical support. Zane Smith and Gilliland remain cornerstone drivers with aspirations for further growth. FRM continues to build its reputation as a scrappy yet increasingly competitive organization in both the Cup and Truck Series.