The 39-year-old driver – who won the 2021 Daytona 500 – made the announcement on Wednesday posting a statement on social media.
“For the past seven years, I’ve been fortunate to call Front Row Motorsports ‘home.’ Together, we’ve challenged the giants of NASCAR, leaving a mark on the sport that I’m proud to be a part of,” McDowell said.
“Rest assured, there’s still a lot of racing left this season, and I’m fully committed to doing whatever it takes to get FRM another win and another playoff berth. We’re not slowing down until the checkered flag flies in Phoenix.
“I look forward to continue driving for many years to come and can’t wait to share my future plans with you all soon.”
Multiple sources told Motorsport.com that McDowell’s likely landing spot for next season is Spire Motorsports, but no official announcement is imminent.
McDowell joined FRM in 2018 and owns a pair of Cup wins – his Daytona 500 victory and last season on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. Almost half (228) of his 477 Cup series starts, and eight of his nine career top-five finishes have come with the Bob Jenkins-owned organization.
So far this season, McDowell has excelled in qualifying, winning the pole at Atlanta and Talladega and started on the front row for the Daytona 500, but struggled with closing races with good results. He is currently 26th in the series standings entering Sunday’s race at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.
Jenkins posted the following statement following McDowell’s announcement:
“We thank Michael for all he has done during his time as a driver at Front Row Motorsports. His 2021 Daytona 500 victory, a dominant win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and two appearances in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs set a new standard for our organization. He became the leader of his team and the organization. Outside the car, he was the model for a driver we want to represent us and our partners. “We’re sad to see Michael leave, but wish him, Jami and his family nothing but the best as he moves on to another chapter of what is already an incredible racing career.”
FRM currently fields two full-time Cup teams with drivers McDowell and Todd Gilliland and a full-time Truck Series entry with rookie Lyne Riggs.
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