NASCAR star discusses emotional EXIT

NASCAR Cup Series driver Michael McDowell has opened up on his emotional exit from Front Row Motorsports ahead of the 2025 season.

The Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway was McDowell's last race with the team, bringing to an end a seven-year partnership.

READ MORE: NASCAR Results Today: Logano enters history books with THIRD Cup Series title

Finishing 31st in the season finale at Phoenix, McDowell and the team did not go out on a major high, however, it was still a significant event for the 39-year-old.

The race turned out to be McDowell's 500th race start in the Cup Series - a major milestone for the experienced driver.

READ MORE: Hamlin announces NASCAR RETIREMENT verdict

NASCAR star set for new team

For 2025, McDowell is set to join up with Spire Motorsport having agreed a multi-year deal with the team in May. As a result, McDowell will pilot the #71 car and drive alongside Corey LaJoie and 2024 Rookie of the Year winner Carson Hocevar next season.

Despite the excitement over the switch, there was certainly a touch of emotion in McDowell's words as he spoke about his exit recently.

"I thought about it like, man, it’s going to be a hard habit to break,” McDowell said ahead of the race in Phoenix, via NASCAR.

“I’m … just thankful, thankful for the opportunity I’ve had and what we’ve built and what we’ve done, and you know, there is a new chapter, and so I’m thankful for that.

"I’m thankful to still have a few years in front of me racing in the Cup Series, but it’s definitely going to be hard to walk away from the 34.”

READ MORE: Hamlin ends 19-year NASCAR partnership with SHOCK announcement

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Front Row Motorsports (@team_frm)

READ MORE: Jordan-NASCAR legal battle takes new twist in UPDATE

Related

NASCAR

Jordan's 23XI announce MASSIVE partnership and new naming rights

• 2 uur geleden

NASCAR Cup Series

NASCAR Qualifying Today: 2025 Cup Series at Atlanta - Ambetter Health 400 start times, schedule, TV channel and live stream

• Today 14:00