Already out for the final races of the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season, with the 2019 season set to conclude Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Matt Tifft and Front Row Motorsports have agreed to part ways. Instead of committing to a full-time schedule in 2020, Tifft will focus on his health.
"I've made the decision to focus on my health, and there is no rush or timetable to get back behind the wheel,” Tifft said. "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 has been out of the #36 FRM Ford since the race at Martinsville Speedway last month since suffering a seizure early during the Martinsville race weekend. NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series driver Matt Crafton served as substitute driver for Tifft at Martinsville, and NASCAR Xfinity Series regular John Hunter Nemechek has been substitute for the remainder of the season.
Medical testing has shown that the seizure was not related to a surgical procedure Tifft underwent to remove a brain tumor in 2016, but his doctors are still unsure the cause of the seizure. The 2016 surgery kept Tifft sidelined for a significant portion of the 2016 Xfinity Series season.
"Matt has always shown us a lot of determination and courage,” Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins said. "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.”
The 2019 Cup Series season was Tifft's first year in the series. He posted a best finish of ninth at Daytona International Speedway in July. He contested 32 races before his most recent health scare.
Tifft's departure from Front Row Motorsports leaves the organization with two vacant seats for 2020. Teammate David Ragan will retire from full-time Cup Series competition at 2019 season's end.
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