Michael McDowell pens a heartfelt note on the sad demise of FRM’s ‘integral part’

The NASCAR world, including Spire Motorsports driver Michael McDowell, is mourning the loss of Front Row Motorsports’ (FRM) performance director and the prominent NASCAR figure Johnny Roten. FRM announced the sad demise of their integral member on Thursday afternoon on social media. He passed away at the age of 60.

Michael McDowell, who competed full-time behind the wheel of FRM from 2018 to 2024, shared an emotional message on social media, paying tribute to Roten.

McDowell took to X to express his grief and appreciation for Roten’s contributions, writing:

“Johnny was a great man that worked his tail off for us to have success. He would do whatever it took to get it done. Very sad for all of his Family, Friends and teammate’s. He will be missed.”

Johnny Roten had been associated with FRM for the last three years and had been a popular figure in the NASCAR world for several decades. The loss has deeply affected the FRM family and Roten’s family.

FRM first shared the sad news on X and released a statement, paying tribute to Roten.

The post read:

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our Performance Director, Johnny Roten. Johnny has been an integral part of Front Row Motorsports for the last 3 years and the NASCAR community for well over three decades. His presence and personality will be deeply missed.”

After spending seven seasons with FRM, Michael McDowell moved to Spire Motorsports behind the wheel of the #71 Chevrolet in the 2025 season. The 40-year-old driver from Arizona played a huge role in FRM’s success over the last couple of seasons, winning two out of their four wins for them, making the playoffs in 2021 and 2023.

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Michael McDowell reacts to Kyle Larson’s second NASCAR title

With a P3 finish at the season-finale race at Phoenix Raceway, Kyle Larson became the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series champion after defeating the final 4 drivers, Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, and William Byron. It was Larson’s second career NASCAR Cup Series title; the first came in 2021.

Fellow Chevrolet driver Michael McDowell was happy to see Hendrick Motorsports and Larson finally claim the championship in the Next Gen era.

Reacting to Larson’s title win after the Phoenix race, McDowell said:

“I’m so happy for everybody at Hendrick Motorsports, the Hendrick Engines shop and Chevrolet with the No. 5 team (Kyle Larson) getting the championship.”

Michael McDowell wrapped up his 2025 campaign at 22nd place in the championship standings, earning two poles, three top-five finishes, and six top-10 finishes with an average finish of 18.1.

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Edited by Yash Soni