Michael McDowell announced Wednesday that he has joined Spire Motorsports on a multi-year deal that will have him driving the team’s No. 71 Chevrolet starting in 2025.

McDowell and Front Row Motorsports had announced that they would not be teaming up after this season just hours before news came in that McDowell would be joining Spire. He has been with Front Row for seven years.

“This is a new chapter for my family and me, and we’re incredibly thankful for the opportunity that’s in front of us,” McDowell said. “It’s going to take some hard work, but I feel like everything is in place for us to be successful as a race team — to win races and contend for championships.

“People are the greatest asset to any organization, and with Spire’s vision, ambition, knowledge, and dedication, we will achieve great things. Failure is not an option, and that’s the mindset that it will take to achieve our goals.”

In 477 NASCAR Cup Series starts, the 39-year-old McDowell has posted a pair of wins — at the 2021 Daytona 500 and the 2023 Verizon 200 at the Brickyard in Indianapolis. He has also participated in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (94 races) and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (two).

Spire Motorsports has one Cup Series win, prevailing in 2019.

“Michael McDowell is a proven winner and brings a NASCAR playoff pedigree,” Spire Motorsports president Doug Duchardt said. “Michael has always been committed to elevate his teams. His experience and enthusiasm are a perfect fit for Spire Motorsports, and we are sure he will be a great teammate to both Corey LaJoie and Carson Hocevar.

“We’re thrilled to keep up the positive momentum by adding someone as accomplished as Michael to our driver lineup.”

–Field Level Media