Michael McDowell pays tribute to late FRM performance director Johhny Roten

Front Row Motorsports announced Thursday that performance director Johnny Roten has died. He was 60. Michael McDowell, who spent seven seasons with FRM, paid tribute to Roten with a post on social media.

“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,” McDowell wrote on X. “Very sad for all of his Family, Friends and teammate’s. He will be missed.”

FRM fields three Cup Series teams and two Truck Series teams in NASCAR. Roten had been with the team the last three seasons. During that time, the team saw wins in both series and grew from two charters to three in Cup, and from one truck to two in Truck.

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our Performance Director Johnny Roten,” FRM posted on social media. “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.”

McDowell, who now drives the No. 71 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, was a huge part of FRM’s success over the last handful of years. He tallied two wins for FRM, making the playoffs in 2021 and again in 2023.

McDowell joined Spire following the 2024 season. He compiled six top 10s, three top 5s and two poles in his first season with Spire, finishing 22nd in the points standings.