Michael McDowell's career-best season a huge step for Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports has seen a lot over the course of racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. But it wasn't until Michael McDowell got behind the wheel of the No. 34 machine in 2018 that the team finally elevated its game.

Over the course of the 2022 season, FRM's bright yellow 34 car consistently raced near the front of the field thanks to a rejuvenated McDowell.

Formed in 2004 as Means-Jenkins Motorsports, FRM has transformed from a team guaranteed to either DNQ or finish last to a legitimate contender for wins.

FRM has had the occasional good luck at tracks such as Daytona and Talladega, earning a top 10 finish and even the rare win (David Ragan, Talladega 2013 and Chris Buescher, rain-shortened Pocono 2016). 

In 2021, McDowell won the Daytona 500, shocking the racing world by finally breaking into the win column in the 358th race of his career. He followed that unlikely victory with two more top-10 finishes and wound up with five wins on the season.

Entering 2022, McDowell expressed optimism that he would break out thanks to the Next Gen car. 

Part of the requirements of the Next Gen car is the new rule that all teams must purchase parts and pieces from one vendor instead of teams either making or acquiring their own parts. This leveled the playing field for a team like FRM.

"I feel like the last five years we've been making good gains, and this (season) is an extension of that. This is definitely the best season I've had," McDowell told Fox Sports' Bob Pockrass.

In 2022, the 37-year-old set career highs in nearly every category. His 12 top-10 finishes, 23 top 20s, 16.7 average finishing position, and 67 laps led shattered his previous bests.

Entering 2023, FRM has its sights set even higher after such a strong performance from its top driver.

McDowell has the unusual career distinction of getting better as he ages, so it's possible he could return to victory lane.