By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer
Front Row Motorsports and driver Matt Tifft have mutually agreed to part ways as Tifft continues to focus on his health.
In a team press released on Wednesday morning Tifft said “I’ve made the decision to focus on my health and there is no rush or timetable to get back behind the wheel. Because of that, I can’t commit to racing full-time in 2020. I can’t say when I’ll be ready to race again, but I believe I will come back. I love this sport, the people, and I would like to be a part of it next year in some capacity.
“I want to thank Bob Jenkins, Jerry Freeze and the entire Front Row Motorsports organization for allowing me to live my dream of racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. They are great people and it’s been awesome to race there. I look forward to what’s next in racing when the time is right.”
Tifft had remained sidelined for the remainder of the 2019 season following a medical episode at Martinsville Speedway race weekend in October.
Following Martinsville, Tifft stated in a video posted to his Twitter account that he had suffered a seizure but what caused that still remains unknown as his doctors try to find out what caused it to occur.
Tifft had surgery in July of 2016 to remove a low-gland brain tumor but he has indicated that tests with a CT Scan and an MRI recently have shown there was nothing there as far as a brain tumor.
Following successful surgery, the Virginia-native returned to NASCAR competition in September of 2016 where he competed in the Truck Series American Ethanol E15 225 at Chicagoland Speedway, being credited with a 12th place finish.
This past January, Tifft announced his recovery had been going so well that he wouldn’t have to undergo what would have been a follow up brain scan for at least a year.
In addition to Tifft’s statement, Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins also released the following statement.
“Matt has always shown us a lot of determination and courage. He’s a fighter and I believe, like him, that he’ll return to driving. For now, we support Matt and his need to focus on his health and his family. Racing will be there when it’s time. We want to thank Matt and his family for being a part of Front Row Motorsports and helping us continue to grow.”
Furthermore, Tifft’s Front Row Motorsports teammate Michael McDowell took to his Twitter account on Wednesday with some kind words for Tifft.
Thank you @matt_tifft for all you have done. Your story isn’t over yet. We will see you back on track again. Praying for your time and health. https://t.co/qoHnr1Lsun
— Michael McDowell (@Mc_Driver) November 13, 2019
Since being sidelined at Martinsville Speedway, John-Hunter Nemechek has been behind the wheel of the No. 36 Ford in the last two events except for Martinsville where NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series regular Matt Crafton brought home the No. 36 to a 25th place finish in the First Data 500.
Nemechek made his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut at Texas Motor Speedway being credited with a 21st place finish and followed that up with a 27th place result at ISM Raceway.
Nemechek will be back behind the wheel of the No. 36 Speedy Cash Ford for this Sunday’s season-finale Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.