Front Row Motorsports Cup Series Race Report - North Wilkesboro

No. 34 Charlotte Knights Ford Mustang Dark Horse:

Michael McDowell was competing in his third All-Star Race of his career, with a new sponsor. Sporting the Charlotte Knights, Triple-A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, on his Ford Mustang Dark Horse, McDowell and the No. 34 team came into North Wilkesboro ready to race for a million dollars. Starting the evening in ninth place, by result of Saturday's Pit Crew Challenge, McDowell quickly changed to regular Goodyear Eagles in order to capitalize on the long run, due to the caution break at lap 100. At the caution break, McDowell went back on the red "prime" tire to utilize more grip and was the lucky dog recipient. Racing back into the top-15, more pit strategy came into play. The 34-team elected to take right sides only at the optional "50-to-go" pit stop and it paid off as he got track position and raced to finish ninth place in the All-Star Race.

Start: 9th

All-Star Race Result: 9th

DRIVER MICHAEL MCDOWELL:

"It was a fun race. Big thanks to the Charlotte Knights and Front Row Motorsports for a special night, it's always a cool opportunity to race in the All-Star Race and see the fans at North Wilkesboro. Our car started tight, and we made the necessary adjustments we could with the new option tire and caution breaks. We're looking forward to the second half of the regular season, looking to put our Ford Mustang Dark Horse in Victory Lane. We had good momentum the last few races and some solid Top-10 runs, so we just have to build on that and capitalize on the tracks where we have the best chances."

No. 38 Long John Silver's Ford Mustang Dark Horse:

Todd Gilliland competed in the All-Star Open at the North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway this past weekend. With qualifying rained out, Gilliland had to race his way into the main event from the 8th place position. Fighting the handling of his Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Gilliland finished the first half of the open in 10th. Coming to pit road for tires and fuel, Gilliland was given air and wedge adjustments to loosen him up for the remainder of the race. Gilliland finished the All-Star Open P15 and did not advance to the All-Star main race.

Start: 8th

All-Star Open Race Result: 15th

DRIVER TODD GILLILAND:

"It's never a good feeling to miss the main event, but I had fun. North Wilkesboro put on a good show, we just didn't have enough time to get it right. I liked the different tire options. I thought it was cool to see NASCAR take a more F1 approach and let teams decide what tires to run. I would like to see that happen in a points race. Hopefully we can win Charlotte and be locked in for next year."