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The 5 Most Shocking Facts About Front Row Motorsports Drivers And Their 2025 Lineup

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Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is no longer just a perennial underdog; it is a team that has cemented its place in NASCAR history with massive, unexpected victories and a commitment to Ford Performance. As of December 20, 2025, the team enters the new season with one of its most stable and exciting driver lineups to date, signaling a clear intent to move beyond the occasional upset and become a consistent playoff contender. The 2025 lineup features a mix of veteran experience and young talent, strategically positioned to maximize the potential of the Next Gen car.

The latest news surrounding the team includes the finalization of their multi-car roster and the confirmation of key sponsorship deals, alongside the recent public spotlight on team owner Bob Jenkins following his testimony in the high-profile NASCAR lawsuit. This comprehensive look reveals the full 2025 roster, their biographies, and the shocking history that defines this formidable organization.

Complete 2025 Front Row Motorsports Driver Profiles

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series lineup for Front Row Motorsports consists of three full-time drivers, each piloting a Ford Mustang Dark Horse. The team's structure is built around developing young talent while leveraging the stability of key partnerships and crew chief pairings.

Noah Gragson – No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

  • Full Name: Noah Quinn Gragson
  • Born: July 15, 1998 (Age 27)
  • Birthplace: Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Career Highlights: Known for his aggressive driving style and success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he amassed 13 career victories. Gragson moved to FRM to revitalize his Cup Series career, bringing significant fan appeal and a reputation for high energy.
  • 2025 Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer
  • Primary Sponsors: A rotation of partners including Zep, MillerTech, ArmorGuard Coatings, and Rural King.

Todd Gilliland – No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

  • Full Name: Todd Jeremey Gilliland
  • Born: May 15, 2000 (Age 25)
  • Birthplace: Sherrills Ford, North Carolina
  • Career Highlights: A third-generation NASCAR driver, following his grandfather Butch Gilliland and father David Gilliland (a former FRM driver). Todd is a two-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Champion and a former winner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He provides a steady, consistent presence for the No. 34 team.
  • 2025 Crew Chief: Chris Lawson
  • Primary Sponsor: Love's Travel Stops (a long-standing and crucial partnership for the team).

Zane Smith – No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

  • Full Name: Zane Michael Smith
  • Born: June 9, 1999 (Age 26)
  • Birthplace: Huntington Beach, California
  • Career Highlights: The 2022 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion. Smith is a highly touted prospect who made the jump to Cup Series racing full-time with FRM. He is considered a key part of Ford Performance's future, with his tenure at FRM designed to accelerate his development.
  • 2025 Crew Chief: Ryan Bergenty
  • Primary Sponsors: Benebone (for 8 races) and other partners.

The Shocking History of FRM’s Biggest Upsets

Front Row Motorsports is historically defined by its ability to deliver stunning, high-impact victories against powerhouse teams like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing. These wins are not only rare but often occur on NASCAR's biggest stages, solidifying the team's reputation as a giant killer in the Cup Series. The team's success is a testament to the dedication of owner Bob Jenkins, who has run the organization since assuming full ownership around 2005.

The 2021 Daytona 500: Michael McDowell’s 100-to-1 Triumph

The most significant victory in FRM history came at the 2021 Daytona 500 with driver Michael McDowell. Leading only the final lap, McDowell capitalized on a chaotic last-lap wreck involving the leaders, crossing the finish line under caution to secure the win. This victory was monumental: it was McDowell’s first career Cup Series win in his 358th start, and he entered the race as a 100-to-1 underdog. The victory instantly granted McDowell a spot in the NASCAR Playoffs and provided FRM with its most coveted trophy, demonstrating the team's ability to execute flawlessly in high-pressure situations. The No. 34 Ford Mustang became an iconic image of the organization's persistence.

Chris Buescher’s Fog-Shortened Pocono Win

The team's second-ever Cup Series win came in 2016 at Pocono Raceway with Chris Buescher. Driving the No. 34 Ford, Buescher won a race that was shortened by heavy fog and weather conditions. The victory was secured through a gutsy pit strategy call by the crew chief, putting Buescher in the lead just before the race was officially called. This win was incredibly important as it was the first time an FRM driver had made the NASCAR Playoffs, showcasing the team's capability to compete for a championship berth. It was also the team's first victory since David Ragan’s surprise win at Talladega Superspeedway in 2013, which was FRM’s inaugural Cup Series triumph.

The Business of Front Row Motorsports: Stability and Future Growth

While the team is known for its on-track upsets, the organization's current focus is on building long-term stability and elevating its performance consistently. The recent driver and crew chief confirmations for the 2025 season are a key part of this strategy, ensuring continuity across all three Cup Series entries.

The Crew Chief Lineup: Experience Meets Youth

The pairing of each driver with a dedicated crew chief is critical for performance. Drew Blickensderfer, the crew chief for Noah Gragson's No. 4 team, brings a wealth of experience, having previously worked with Cup Series champions. Chris Lawson, guiding Todd Gilliland’s No. 34 effort, maintains a strong working relationship with the third-generation driver. Finally, Ryan Bergenty, who leads Zane Smith’s No. 38 team, is an essential part of the young champion’s transition to the Cup Series, having worked with him in the Truck Series. The continuity in the No. 38 camp is a major investment in Smith’s future with the team.

The Ford Performance Alliance and Technical Support

Front Row Motorsports operates as a key satellite team for Ford Performance. This alliance provides crucial technical support, engineering resources, and the powerful Roush Yates Engines. The team's commitment to the Ford brand is evident in their full-time participation in the NASCAR Cup Series with the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, as well as their significant presence in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The Truck Series program, which features promising young drivers Chandler Smith and Layne Riggs for 2025, is a vital pipeline for future Cup talent, with Chandler Smith’s No. 38 truck being led by crew chief Jon Leonard.

The Bob Jenkins Lawsuit Testimony and Team Value

In a rare public glimpse into the financial realities of NASCAR, team owner Bob Jenkins recently testified during a federal antitrust case involving NASCAR and 23XI Racing. Jenkins revealed candid details about the economics of running a race team, including the high costs associated with repairing the Next Gen car and the fact that the team had "never turned a profit" since its inception. This testimony, while shedding light on the business challenges, also underscores Jenkins' passion and long-term commitment to the sport, as he continues to invest heavily in the team's future despite the financial hurdles. The recent settlement reached between NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and FRM is aimed at delivering "long-term stability" for all teams, suggesting a more secure financial future for organizations like Front Row Motorsports.

The 2025 season represents a pivotal moment for Front Row Motorsports. With a settled and talented driver roster, confirmed multi-race sponsorships from key partners like Love’s Travel Stops and Benebone, and a continued commitment from owner Bob Jenkins, the team is positioned not just for another upset win, but for a legitimate push for multiple playoff berths. The combination of Noah Gragson’s aggressive style, Todd Gilliland’s consistency, and Zane Smith’s championship pedigree makes the No. 4, No. 34, and No. 38 Ford Mustangs must-watch cars every race weekend.

The 5 Most Shocking Facts About Front Row Motorsports Drivers and Their 2025 Lineup
front row motorsports drivers
front row motorsports drivers

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