MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Anthony Alfredo will replace John Hunter Nemechek at Front Row Motorsports this year, embarking on his rookie season at the NASCAR Cup Series level.

Alfredo, from Ridgefield, Conn., will make his Cup Series debut in the Daytona 500 on Feb. 14 and will compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors.

A member of the 2018 NASCAR Next Class, the 21-year-old Alfredo continues the youth movement at FRM.

Having raced for team owners Dale Earnhardt Jr. (in late models) and Richard Childress (in the NASCAR Xfinity Series), Alfredo has proven to be successful in a quick progression through the sport. He will work with veteran crew chief Seth Barbour in 2021.

“This is really an unbelievable moment,” said Alfredo. “When you start out racing karts as a kid, you dream of making it to the sport’s top level. I want to thank Bob Jenkins and everyone at Front Row Motorsports for making this dream a reality. I know the challenges ahead, but I’m here to work hard and prove myself.”

“We met Anthony and spent time with him when last season ended,” added team owner Bob Jenkins. “We wanted another young driver and someone that fit well into our team. We feel that Anthony is a great match and we look forward to this season together.”

In a part-time schedule last season at the Xfinity Series level, Alfredo made 19 starts for Richard Childress Racing, earning two top-five and nine top-10 finishes.

His career-best run of third came in his final appearance last year at Texas Motor Speedway.

Alfredo joins teammate Michael McDowell, who will continue to pilot the No. 34 Ford Mustang at FRM next season. It will be McDowell’s third straight campaign working with crew chief Drew Blickensderfer.

McDowell and Blickensderfer had an organization-best season in 2020. The duo combined for four top-10 finishes – the most in the team’s history.

“Michael has really solidified his place as our veteran leader,” continued Jenkins. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that has helped us continue to grow our program.”

“Despite all of its challenges, our 2020 season was one of the best in FRM history,” said McDowell. “I feel like we’ve really been able to hit our stride and I’m excited to channel that momentum into a new season.”

FRM officials also announced Wednesday that David Ragan will drive a third entry for the team in next month’s Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) Int’l Speedway.