(Press release from Front Row Motorsports)
Michael McDowell and Todd Gilliland Return, Anthony Alfredo Joins Team Roster; David Ragan to Compete in Daytona 500
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 Ridgefield, CT native 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.
Who?
…and I know who Santino Ferrucci is… ;^)
Guess he is bringing money and sponsors.
Anthony gas allot of talent and deserves this chance. Last season he was very competitive in xfinity, driving for Childress. He was always fast and usually running up front, but seemed to get snakebit either by pit strategy, or someone else’s mistakes. Wish him the best of luck
Literally everything that is wrong with nascar. Probably a nice kid but did he cut his teeth at any short tracks? And im not talking legends cars at charlotte. Best of luck to him but this is an example of the problems with the cup series
Amen, cupseries!
Cup Series I Agree… Never saw him On Thompson High Banks or Stafford , Star , Lee , Waterford .
Crazy a Driver like Santos , Coby, Justin, McKennedy, Silk are sitting home watching Daytona while these guys get rides.. Unreal …
Hoping Max McGlaughlin gets a ride too soon.
Up until this past season I he as never heard of the kid. But, he ran well and took care of his car. His finishes don’t show how ell he ran, because he’d either get screwed by pit strategy, or get caught up in someone else’s mistakes.
People say they never saw him in a stock car here in New England, but the same can be said of Lagano, and Byron. Byron went straight to Trucks from iracing
Guess Joey Loganos dad didnt see Joey getting a shot down south by running up north, Been awhile since anybody has, Back when Dale Sr was giving guys like Steve Park and Truex a chance it was different, The days of the Bodines, Spencer, McGlaughlin, Park, Truex heading south are over I guess, Unless you have Preece or Logano kind of money youre not going too far.