NASCAR: Front Row Motorsports Crew Chief leaves for SHR (Update)

Several weeks ago, two-time Daytona 500-winning crew chief Drew Blickensderfer left Front Row Motorsports after guiding Michael McDowell to victory in the 2021 edition of The Great American Race in order to pursue other options. Weeks later, we now know where.

On Tuesday, Stewart-Haas Racing announced that Drew Blickensderfer has been hired as the new crew chief for the No. 10 team and driver Aric Almirola in 2022. Blickensderfer replaces Mike Bugarewicz, who has been promoted to the newly-formed role of performance director for SHR.

The hire of Blickensderfer reunites him with Almirola, as the two worked together at Richard Petty Motorsports during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Blickensderfer stated that his move to SHR was spurred by a desire to once again work for a top race team.

“When I left Richard Petty Motorsports, I went to Front Row because I didn’t know if I’d ever get back with a big team. And the opportunity at Front Row was an opportunity to help build that. And I think we did,” Blickensderfer said. “I think in three years we took that team to kind of a mid-major level, and that was a huge gain at Front Row. And that was an opportunity I really liked and enjoyed.

“But at my age and my commitment to the sport and everything that I have going on, I want to be with a team that can compete. That was goal number one. And when that opportunity presented itself, it was pretty easy.”

“Drew has been in the sport a long time and knows how to get the best out of the people around him, and that’s really what the job of crew chief has become,” read a statement by Stewart-Haas Racing vice president of competition Greg Zipadelli. “We have the same parts and pieces, but what we do with those parts and pieces will make the difference. Drew has worked with a lot of drivers and managed a lot of people. He already has a rapport with Aric, and that will make the learning curve in a season full of learning a little less steep.”

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) today announced Daytona 500 winning No. 34 Ford Mustang crew chief Drew Blickensderfer has informed the team he will be leaving the organization to pursue other options.

A statement from Bob Jenkins, Owner, Front Row Motorsports:

“Drew helped lead the No. 34 team to new heights since coming to Front Row Motorsports, highlighted by winning the Daytona 500. We are now in the process of securing the next leader in our organization to continue the solid foundation that has been built. That process has begun, and we will move quickly. We wish Drew the best in his next endeavors.”

FRM will announce the new hire in the future.