In 2023, Front Row Motorsports got a win, had a NASCAR Playoff appearance, and made a firm decision on their future by bringing Todd Gilliland back in 2024. In the New Year, Front Row can do a few things to help make it the best season that it can be.
Michael McDowell winning at the Indy Road Course opened up new possibilities for Front Row Motorsports. While the playoff run didn’t go according to plan, there is good news. Watkins Glen is now a playoff race. That could help McDowell if he makes the postseason again in 2024.
As an organization, Front Row made a firm decision on its future. They tested Zane Smith out in 2023 in the Cup Series and decided to stay with Gilliland for 2024. That also could have been more of Smith’s decision.
Front Row Motorsports Resolutions:
– Make the most of the road courses
– Win a race
– Improve your second team
– Ride wave of momentum
Teams like Front Row Motorsports have to take advantage of their opportunities whenever they can. That includes riding this wave of momentum from 2023. There are only five road course races in 2024, so FRM will need to make the most of those races.
Showing some improvement for Gilliland will also go a long way for the organization as a whole.
Front Row Motorsports Driver Resolutions
Michael McDowell had a really good season. He was able to get that win at Indy and go on to have a solid year overall. If he can put it together on the superspeedways and road courses, he might have a big season in front of him.
As for Todd Gilliland, things might have to change and soon. He has to take a step up or he could find himself in a tough spot this time next year. Top-10 finishes at Cota, Bristol Dirt, Talladega, and Martinsville were highlights of his season.
Todd Gilliland Resolutions:
– Multiple top-5 finishes
– Five or more top-10 finishes
– 15 or more top-15 finishes
– Perform well where you’re at your best
– Show improvement and passion
I think Front Row Motorsports just wants to see improvement from Gilliland. Getting multiple top-5s, earning more top-10s and top-15s than in 2023 – that is the path forward. Of course, it sounds simple “just race better.” However, there are places Gilliland should improve.
He should be a better road course racer than most. He has to show that he is, it’s his biggest appeal as a driver.
Michael McDowell Resolutions:
– Win a race
– Make the playoffs
– Make the Round of 12
– Take the next step up
There is no doubt that Michael McDowell could get a ride elsewhere if he wanted. However, McDowell is more than happy to be at Front Row Motorsports. He can have a say in a lot of things and feel like he is building his own legacy.
McDowell didn’t perform his best at Talladega or Daytona last season. He has to clean it up and come to the superspeedways with a win in his mind, just like the road courses. Making the Round of 12 would be massive for this organization and McDowell.