Anticipation is building as the Days to Daytona further decreases. With 26 days left, it is time to look at the #34 Front Row Motorsports team. After winning their way into the playoffs, the Front Row team will look to build off that success. Michael McDowell and crew chief Travis Peterson will continue to partner for the 2024 season. Will that lead to more sustained success from beginning to end?
#34 Front Row Motorsports
Driver: Michael McDowell
Crew Chief: Travis Peterson
Sponsors: Love’s Travel Stop, Horizon Hobby, Fr8 Auctions, Stage Front VIP
2024 Season Preview
Switching Alliances
It was announced earlier this week that Front Row Motorsports will be switching their technical alliance from RFK Racing to Team Penske. Travis Peterson discussed the switch during an interview with Sirius XM radio. With the switch, it breaks up an alliance that had lasted since 2016. On paper, the move makes sense as Penske is the reigning back-to-back champion. Meanwhile, Rick Ware Racing seemingly will have a strong alliance with RFK moving forward. However, RFK Racing ran more consistently throughout 2023 despite Penske winning the championship. It will be interesting to see how the alliance switch will effect Front Row.
Winning on a Traditional Oval
Michael McDowell is the proud owner of two Cup Series wins. In 2021, McDowell won the Daytona 500. Last year, McDowell won on the Indy road course to clinch his spot in the playoffs. Over the past few years, McDowell has slowly been climbing the leaderboard and showing more speed at all tracks. The next big step for McDowell will be the win a race on a traditional oval. Road courses and superspeedways have always been a sweet spot for the Front Row driver. However, McDowell has flashed the ability to run upfront at other tracks. With Bristol having two normal dates, he would be a strong dark horse pick for both races.
Competitive Playoff Run
While Michael McDowell and the 34 team have made the playoffs 2 of the past 3 seasons, their time in both playoffs were short and uneventful. Both featured first round exits after not being too competitive at all three races. Last year, Darlington and Kansas were disastrous races that left Bristol as a must win. Although McDowell ran Top-5 at Bristol, it was too little, too late. If McDowell makes the playoffs this season, the goal will be to be more competitive. This team has the capability to advance through the Round of 16. This season might be their best shout, as there are a superspeedway and road course in the first round paired with Bristol.
Daytona 500 Chances
Michael McDowell is an underrated Daytona driver. Outside of winning the Daytona 500 in 2021, McDowell has a strong record in the Great American Race. Since joining Front Row Motorsports in 2018, McDowell has 4 Top-10s. When McDowell finishes on the lead lap, his worst finish is 14th. These are strong numbers for a driver at Daytona.
Speedweeks Outlook
Starting off with qualifying, do not expect much from the 34 car. McDowell has failed to crack the Top-20 in qualifying every year. However, McDowell has made up for his poor qualifying efforts with strong runs in his past two duel races (both Top-5s). In his Bluegreen Vacations Duel, expect McDowell to make a strong effort to better his Daytona 500 starting position. With that improved starting position, McDowell will be in great shape to finish well. A win is always possible, but a Top-10 seems like a safe bet for the Front Row driver.
Previous Days
40-36 Days: 40 – #12, 39 – #5, 38 – #24, 37 – #20, & 36 – #11
