Earlier today Michael McDowell announced that he would be leaving Front Row Motorsports and the number 34 car at the end of the season. At the time McDowell gave no indication of what his future plans would be after the race at Phoenix to end the season.
Now, McDowell has announced that he has signed a multi-year contract with Spire Motorsports to drive the number 71 car, which is currently being driven by Zane Smith.
By joining Spire Motorsports McDowell will be teammates with Corey LaJoie and Carson Hocevar.
McDowell makes the move after spending the past seven years as the driver of the number 34 car where he added his name to the winners of the iconic Harley J Earle trophy as the winner of the Daytona 500 in 2021. He also won on the final race at the Indy Road course in 2023.
McDowell spoke via a Spire Motorsports release saying, “this is a new chapter for my family and me, and we’re incredibly thankful for the opportunity that’s in front of us. It’s going to take some hard work, but I feel like everything is in place for us to be successful as a race team – to win races and contend for championship. People are the greatest asset to any organization; and with Spire’s vision, ambition, knowledge, and dedication, we will achieve great things. Failure is not an option, and that’s the mindset it will take to achieve our goals.”
Last September Spire Motorsports signed Zane Smith to a multi year contract that is managed by Trackhouse Racing. There have been no plans announced for Zane Smith as of yet.
Spire Motorsports president Doug Duchardt spoke on McDowell via a team release saying, “Michael McDowell is a proven winner and brings a NASCAR Playoff pedigree. Michael has always been committee to elevate his teams. His experience and enthusiasm, are a perfect fit for Spire Motorsports, and we are sure he will be a great teammate to both Corey LaJoie and Carson Hocevar. We’re thrilled to keep up the positive momentum by adding someone as accomplished as Michael to our driver lineup.”
He added, “our 2024 plan for the number 71 team remains unchanged. Spire Motorsports fully supports Zane Smith and (crew chief) Stephan Doran. We remain committed to the success of our collaboration with Trackhouse. That team is just beginning to realize its potential. We’re looking forward to seeing how the Rookie of the Year battle plays out between Zane and Carson.”
Prior to joining Front Row Motorsports, McDowell drove for Michael Waltrip Racing, Tommy Baldwin Racing, Phil Parsons Racing, and Leavine Family Racing.
Feature photo credit: Michael McDowell at Sonoma Raceway in 2018