January 6, 2021 | By Lee Spencer

Front Row Motorsports unveils driver lineup for 2021

Front Row Motorsports has added Anthony Alfredo to its stable of drivers for 2021.

Alfredo replaces John Hunter Nemechek in the No. 38 Ford. Seth Barbour will continue in his role as crew chief.

The 21-year-old from Ridgefield, Conn., who raced part-time in the Xfinity Series last year, will compete for 2021 Sunoco Rookie-of-the-Year honors. Alfredo is expected to make his NASCAR Cup debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 next month.

“This is really an unbelievable moment,” said Alfredo. “When you start out racing karts as a kid, you dream of making it to the sport’s top level. I want to thank Bob Jenkins and everyone at Front Row Motorsports for making this dream a reality.

“I know the challenges ahead, but I’m here to work hard and prove myself.”

Alfredo’s foray into NASCAR’s top tours came after he was introduced among the 2018 NASCAR Next Class and raced for a full season in the K&N Pro Series East tour. He ran 13 truck races for DGR in 2019. Alfredo showed steady improvement in 2020 when he ran a partial schedule for Richard Childress Racing in NXS. He was running at the finish in 17 of 19 races and finished the season with an average finish of 12.6.

“We met Anthony and spent time with him when last season ended,” said team owner Bob Jenkins. “We wanted another young driver and someone that fit well into our team. We feel that Anthony is a great match and we look forward to this season together.”

Alfredo joins veteran Michael McDowell, who returns to the No. 34 FRM Ford with crew chief Drew Blickensderfer. McDowell finished a career-best 23rd in the Cup standings and posted four top 10s—an FRM record.

“Despite all of its challenges, our 2020 season was one of the best in FRM history,” said McDowell. “I feel like we’ve really been able to hit our stride and I’m excited to channel that momentum into a new season.”

Todd Gilliland continues his progression in the Camping World Truck Series with FRM behind the wheel of the No. 38 Ford F150. Under the direction of crew chief Chris Lawson, Gilliland, 20, scored four top fives, 10 top 10s, and advanced to the playoffs in the team’s first season.

“I’m thrilled to return to Front Row Motorsports next year,” said Gilliland. “Bob has been great to drive for and we’ve got a solid foundation to build up our program moving forward.”

FRM will also field a third car in the Daytona 500 for the affable David Ragan. Coming off of a fourth-place finish in last year’s Great American Race, Ragan returns to the No. 36 Ford with crew chief Derrick Finley. Ragan has one win, four top fives and six top 10s on the 2.5-mile track.

FRM will announce its commercial partners at a later date.