The Triple Threat: 5 Shocking Changes Driving Front Row Motorsports' Explosive 2025 NASCAR Season

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is no longer the underdog in the NASCAR Cup Series. As of the current date, December 15, 2025, the team has undergone its most significant transformation in its history, evolving from a two-car operation into a formidable "Triple Threat" for the 2025 season. This strategic expansion, backed by a renewed commitment from Ford Performance and a fresh, youthful driver stable, signals a serious intent to compete at the highest level of stock car racing.

This deep dive explores the five most impactful changes—from the historic three-car expansion to the new crew chief pairings—that are setting the stage for what could be FRM’s breakout year, building on their past successes like the 2021 Daytona 500 victory. The organization is retooled and focused on long-term stability after a mutually agreed-upon resolution to an antitrust lawsuit with NASCAR and 23XI Racing, which was updated in December 2025.

The 2025 Front Row Motorsports Triple Threat Lineup

The foundation of FRM's new era is its expanded, three-car NASCAR Cup Series stable, a major step up for the organization founded by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins in 2004. The team is now built around a core of young talent, with a focus on developing them into consistent contenders in the Next Gen car era.

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• Owner: Bob Jenkins (Successful entrepreneur and restaurant franchise owner)
• Founded: 2004 (Began as Means-Jenkins Motorsports)
• Major Achievements: 2021 Daytona 500 Champion, 2022 Craftsman Truck Series Champion

NASCAR Cup Series Drivers & Crew Chiefs (2025)

The 2025 driver lineup is a blend of continuity and high-potential newcomers, positioning Todd Gilliland as the team leader.

1. Todd Gilliland - No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

• Role: Team Leader/Veteran Anchor
• Crew Chief: Chris Lawson
• Note: Lawson returns to FRM to reunite with Gilliland, having previously worked with the driver in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, bringing valuable familiarity to the No. 34 team.

2. Noah Gragson - No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

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• Role: High-Potential Newcomer
• Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer
• Note: Gragson remains with Ford Performance and moves to FRM, bringing his crew chief, Blickensderfer, with him from their previous team. This partnership is expected to drive a noticeable uptick in performance.

3. Zane Smith - No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

• Role: Multi-Year Anchor
• Crew Chief: Ryan Bergenty
• Note: Smith signed a multi-year extension with FRM and will continue to pilot the No. 38. Bergenty is a consistent presence, entering his fourth year as the No. 38 crew chief.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver (2025)

Layne Riggs - No. 34 Ford F-150

• Role: Full-Time Truck Series Driver
• Crew Chief: Dylan Cappello
• Note: Riggs, who secured two Truck Series victories last season, is set to return to the No. 34 truck as part of a multi-year extension with the organization.

5 Shocking Changes Driving FRM's Explosive 2025 Season

The 2025 season is a pivotal moment for Front Row Motorsports. The following key changes demonstrate the organization's aggressive strategy to move up the ranks of the NASCAR Cup Series.

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1. The Historic Three-Car Cup Series Expansion

For the first time in its history, Front Row Motorsports will field three full-time NASCAR Cup Series entries, securing a third team Charter to facilitate the expansion. This move is not merely an increase in volume; it represents a fundamental shift in the team's standing and capabilities. A three-car stable allows for significantly more data collection, better resource allocation, and a more robust internal competition, which is crucial for maximizing the potential of the complex Next Gen car.

The expansion is a direct investment in the long-term future of the team, positioning FRM to be a more stable and competitive force against powerhouse organizations. This stability was further solidified by a renewed and strengthened relationship with Ford Performance, ensuring factory support remains a cornerstone of the team's technical strategy.

2. The Youth Movement: A New Driver Core

FRM has strategically retooled its driver lineup to focus on youth and hunger, with the aim of building a team around drivers who have a long career ahead of them. With the departure of seasoned veteran Michael McDowell, Todd Gilliland is now tasked with leading the team. He is joined by two highly touted, aggressive young talents in Noah Gragson and Zane Smith.

Gragson, in particular, is seen as having a chance to succeed with this youthful team, building on a noticeable uptick in his own performance. This dynamic trio—all under 30—brings a fresh energy and a unified desire to prove themselves in the Cup Series, a stark contrast to the team's historical approach of hiring veteran drivers.

3. Key Sponsor Extensions and New Partnerships

Financial stability is paramount in NASCAR, and FRM has secured its foundation with major sponsor commitments for 2025 and beyond. Aaron's Rent-to-Own, a long-time partner, has extended its partnership with Zane Smith's No. 38 team for multiple seasons, signaling confidence in the multi-year plan.

Furthermore, the Community Choice Financial Family of Brands, including Speedy Cash and TitleMax, has extended its contract, ensuring continued support. A new and significant partnership with Rural King, America's Farm and Home Store, was also announced in April 2025, adding another major brand to the team's portfolio. MillerTech is also returning to power Noah Gragson's No. 4 team. This influx of committed sponsorship is vital for funding the new three-car operation.

The Impact of Strategic Crew Chief Pairings

The final crucial element in FRM's 2025 strategy is the strategic pairing of drivers and crew chiefs, focusing on pre-existing chemistry and established relationships rather than new, untested combinations. This minimizes the learning curve and allows the teams to hit the ground running.

4. The Gragson-Blickensderfer Reunion

One of the most significant moves was securing Drew Blickensderfer as crew chief for Noah Gragson's No. 4 team. Blickensderfer previously worked with Gragson at Stewart-Haas Racing, and their decision to move to FRM together highlights the organization's ability to attract established talent and maintain successful partnerships. This reunion instantly gives the No. 4 team a baseline of communication and trust, which is often a missing ingredient for teams undergoing major changes.

5. Lawson's Return to the No. 34

The decision to name Chris Lawson as the crew chief for Todd Gilliland's No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is another example of leveraging existing relationships. Lawson has rejoined Front Row Motorsports and is reuniting with Gilliland, a driver he has worked with for two seasons in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. This move aims to build off Gilliland's promising 2024 season, giving him a familiar voice and proven leadership to solidify his role as a consistent points contender and team anchor.

With a historic expansion, a full roster of young drivers, secured long-term sponsorships, and experienced crew chiefs leading the charge, Front Row Motorsports is poised for a transformative 2025 season. The days of being a simple field-filler are over; FRM is now aggressively pursuing a place among NASCAR's elite teams.