Yahoo Autos McDowell to join Spire Motorsports in 2025
Michael McDowell and Spire Motorsports have announced a multi-year agreement for McDowell to become the driver of the team’s No. 71 Chevrolet beginning in 2025.
The announcement comes a few hours after McDowell and Front Row Motorsports announced a split following this season. McDowell will join Spire Motorsports and be teammates with Corey LaJoie and Carson Hocevar.
“This is a new chapter for my family and me, and we’re incredibly thankful for the opportunity that’s in front of us,” McDowell said. “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 championships. 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 that it will take to achieve our goals.”
McDowell has driven for Front Row Motorsports since 2018. He has two wins — the Daytona 500 in 2021 and on the Indianapolis road course in 2023 — in the Cup Series and two postseason appearances. The veteran has made over 470 starts in the Cup Series as well as starts in the Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series. Spire Motorsports has one win in the Cup Series, which came in 2019 in the summer race at Daytona with Justin Haley. It was the same year the organization debuted in the series.
“Michael McDowell is a proven winner and brings a NASCAR playoff pedigree,” said Spire Motorsports president Doug Duchardt. “Michael has always been committed 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 Carey LaJoie and Carson Hocevar. We’re thrilled to keep up the positive momentum by adding someone as accomplished as Michael to our driver lineup.
“Our 2024 plan for the No. 71 team remains unchanged. Spire Motorsports fully supports Zane Smith and 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.”
Zane Smith is under a long-term contract with Trackhouse Racing. He was assigned to Spire Motorsports for his rookie Cup Series season in a deal between the two organizations.
