Tag: zane smith

Zane Smith returns to Front Row Motorsports for 2025

Zane Smith will return to the No. 38 Ford Mustang entered by Front Row Motorsports, the team confirmed Thursday. The 25-year-old Huntington Beach, Calif. native has signed a multi-year agreement that will see him join former teammate Todd Gilliland …

Zane Smith will return to the No. 38 Ford Mustang entered by Front Row Motorsports, the team confirmed Thursday. The 25-year-old Huntington Beach, Calif. native has signed a multi-year agreement that will see him join former teammate Todd Gilliland and newest FRM driver Noah Gragson.

“I’ve always felt at home with Front Row Motorsports,” said Smith. “They believed in me when I signed with them to race in the Truck Series initially in 2022 and we shared so much success together, winning six races and a championship in two seasons. Unfortunately, everyone had to make tough decisions because there were only two Cup cars available at Front Row Motorsports going into last season when I was ready to move up full-time.

“Now, going into next year, Front Row has really taken their Cup program to another level and I cannot think of a better line-up of teammates. Todd and Noah are great friends of mine and we all have a lot to prove as young drivers in the Cup Series. It is a great time to come back and continue to build my career with an organization where I know I can win.”

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Smith won the 2022 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship with FRM in one of the most dominant seasons in the series. Smith won four times, including Daytona, collected 14 top-five finishes, led 492 laps, won the regular season championship, and capped the season off by winning at the Phoenix Raceway season finale to capture the series championship in dramatic fashion.

In 2023, Smith defended his wins at Daytona and the Circuit of The Americas in the Truck Series with FRM, but barely missed out on qualifying for the Championship 4 for the fourth consecutive season.

The same year, Smith made his second start in the NASCAR Cup Series, and his first Cup race with FRM in the Daytona 500. He qualified in an open entry and impressed with a 13th-place finish. Later that year, Smith earned his first top-10 in the premier series with FRM after finishing tenth at the 600-miler at Charlotte Motor Speedway – a crown jewel NASCAR event.

The 2024 season officially marked Smith’s rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series as the full-time driver of the No. 71 car, which was highlighted by his runner-up finish at the Nashville Superspeedway in June and fifth-place finish at Watkins Glen International in September. Since his initial Cup Series debut in 2022, Smith has recorded five top-10 and 17 top-20 finishes. In fact, Smith has finished in the top-20 in over a third of his 45 Cup career races, including the last two Daytona 500 races. He will return to the Ford Performance stable next season more experienced and is looking forward to his return to FRM.

“I want to thank Bob (owner, Bob Jenkins), Jerry (general manager, Jerry Freeze) and Mark Rushbrook at Ford for making this happen. I know that we can win together in the Cup Series like we did in the Truck Series,” Smith said. “It’s a great time to come back as we continue to make FRM even better.”

Going into his third year with the No. 38 team, Ryan Bergenty will serve as the crew chief for Smith, having called the shots for Smith in a limited schedule in 2023.

“We want to welcome Zane back to Front Row Motorsports,” said Jenkins. “He brought us our first championship and we believe that he can win in the NASCAR Cup Series, too. We have always believed in his talents, and we will work hard to give him what he needs to be successful. We have confidence in Zane.

“This finalizes our drivers for 2025 in the Cup Series and we can now make all our teams as strong as possible. We have come a long way, but there is a lot more ground to make up, too. We now have the drivers who can build on where we are today and take us to the next level.”

Zane Smith emerges as the favorite to join Front Row Motorsports in 2025

Zane Smith has emerged as the favorite to join Front Row Motorsports in its newly acquired third charter for the 2025 NASCAR Cup season.

[autotag]Zane Smith[/autotag]’s future in NASCAR for the 2025 season has been uncertain over the last few months. Before Shane van Gisbergen was officially announced as the third full-time driver for Trackhouse Racing, it was revealed that Smith would no longer be with the team. Now, despite up and down reports about his candidacy, the 2022 NASCAR Truck Series champion may have found a new home.

According to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Smith has emerged as the favorite to join Front Row Motorsports full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for the 2025 season. [autotag]Front Row Motorsports[/autotag] announced earlier in the year that it had acquired a third charter, presumably from Stewart-Haas Racing. Smith has been linked to the NASCAR team for a while, but it has been a rollercoaster.

If Smith were to land at Front Row Motorsports, it would mark his return to the team that gave him an opportunity in the Truck Series a few years ago. Front Row Motorsports and Ford lost him to Trackhouse Racing but could have another chance with the young star. Smith has been much better in the second half of the 2024 season and would be a great fit at Front Row Motorsports.

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Trackhouse, Smith to part ways

Trackhouse Racing and Zane Smith will part ways at the end of the NASCAR season. The news came on Friday night via social media. It confirms months of speculation that Smith would be the odd man out, should Shane van Gisbergen potentially move into …

Trackhouse Racing and Zane Smith will part ways at the end of the NASCAR season.

The news came on Friday night via social media. It confirms months of speculation that Smith would be the odd man out, should Shane van Gisbergen potentially move into the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing next season. The New Zealander also a Trackhouse Racing contracted driver, has been running in the Xfinity Series for Kaulig Racing in a deal struck between the two sides.

“Trackhouse Racing and Zane Smith have mutually agreed to separate at the conclusion of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, allowing the 25-year-old former NASCAR Truck Series champion to immediately accept other opportunities,” the team posted. “Smith drives the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in an alliance with Trackhouse Racing and will continue for the remainder of this season.”

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Smith was signed to a multiyear deal by Trackhouse Racing in September. The goal, at the time, was to bring Smith in-house in 2025 as the organization looked to expand to three full-time entries. In the meantime, Smith was loaned to Spire Motorsports in a deal with Trackhouse Racing for the 2024 season.

He ran four seasons in the Craftsman Truck Series (2020-2023) for GMS Racing and Front Row Motorsports. He won the 2022 championship with Front Row Motorsports.

But Smith’s also made various starts in both the Xfinity Series and Cup Series during that time, making his Cup Series debut as the substitute driver for Chris Buescher at RFK Racing in 2022 and picking up a top-10 finish in 2023 in a third Front Row car. Smith is a Rookie of the Year contender with Spire Motorsports and has two top-10 finishes in the last six Cup Series.

“Obviously, I am disappointed that I’ve been put in a tough spot,” Smith posted on social media. “I am diligently exploring quality driving opportunities and hope to quickly wrap up my plans for next year. Meanwhile, kudos to our #71 Cup team. We’ve turned our year around this summer with six top-20 finishes in the last 10 races, which includes a top-10 finish last weekend and a runner-up finish in Nashville.

“With more determination than ever, I will continue to do what I know best and that is to work hard, race my heart out, and prove myself. Thank you to everyone that has and continues to stand behind me.”

Front Row Motorsports’ top candidate for open NASCAR Cup car in 2025 revealed

Front Row Motorsports’ top candidate for its third car in the NASCAR Cup Series has been revealed. Who could join Front Row in 2025?

[autotag]Front Row Motorsports[/autotag] has one of NASCAR’s most intriguing openings as the organization acquired a third charter for the 2025 Cup Series season. To this point, Front Row Motorsports has signed Noah Gragson and given Todd Gilliland an extension, leaving the final car open. However, one driver has been labeled as the favorite to land the ride in 2025.

According to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, [autotag]Zane Smith[/autotag] is the top candidate to join Front Row Motorsports; however, Smith’s hold on the seat becomes more uncertain as time passes. Smith previously ran for Front Row Motorsports full-time in the NASCAR Truck Series, with select starts in the Cup Series. It would be a massive reunion, but it likely needs sponsorship.

Smith signed with Trackhouse Racing last year but likely won’t have a ride with the organization due to a possible new rule that requires teams to cap out at three charters. With van Gisbergen the likely favorite for a third car, Smith could rejoin Front Row Motorsports. It will be fascinating to see whether the two sides can come to an agreement or not.

Zane Smith linked to new NASCAR Cup Series team for the 2025 season

Zane Smith has been linked to another NASCAR Cup Series team for the 2025 season. Which NASCAR team could sign Smith next year?

[autotag]Zane Smith[/autotag]’s future in the NASCAR Cup Series is up in the air. Smith currently drives the No. 71 car for Spire Motorsports in a deal with Trackhouse Racing, but Michael McDowell will replace him in 2025. Meanwhile, Shane van Gisbergen may land the third ride at Trackhouse Racing. So, where could Smith end up? The driver of the No. 71 car has been linked to another NASCAR team.

According to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Smith would be a possible candidate for Kaulig Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series with an open No. 16 car. Kaulig Racing has struggled to compete in the Cup Series this season, but Smith would be able to stay at NASCAR’s top level. The Spire Motorsports driver has also been linked to Front Row Motorsports.

Trackhouse Racing and Kaulig Racing have worked with van Gisbergen, so it could do the same and put Smith in the No. 16 car full-time in 2025. The rookie driver had a rough start to the 2024 NASCAR season but has been improving in recent weeks. Kaulig Racing may not be in a great place in the Cup Series right now, but Smith could help turn the organization around.

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Front Row Motorsports addresses idea of signing Zane Smith for 2025 season

Front Row Motorsports addresses the idea of signing Zane Smith for 2025. Find out what Front Row said about Smith possibly returning!

[autotag]Front Row Motorsports[/autotag] is one step closer to finalizing its NASCAR Cup Series driver lineup for 2025. On Wednesday afternoon, Front Row Motorsports announced that Noah Gragson has signed a multi-year contract to drive in the Cup Series starting in 2025. However, what about the last seat, which is open due to a recently acquired charter?

FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass asked Front Row Motorsports general manager Jerry Freeze about the possibility of signing [autotag]Zane Smith[/autotag] to the team’s third car. Freeze was honest about the possibility and expressed interest in Smith.

“We’ve still got really fine feelings for [Zane Smith],” Freeze said. “He did a phenomenal job for [Front Row Motorsports] for two years with our [NASCAR Truck Series] team. I think a year ago, if we had a third charter, it would’ve been a no-brainer that Zane Smith would’ve been driving the third car. I think that’s what [Bob Jenkins] was really wishing for and hoping for last year at this point.”

“If Zane were to be a free agent for next year, I think that’s something that we would certainly be interested in for sure. I don’t know that he is, but we really believe in Zane’s talent. He’s gonna be a star. Everybody’s gotta go through that learning curve in the [NASCAR Cup Series], and he’s no different than [Todd Gilliland] was…I think he’s a star in the making, without a doubt.”

Smith signed with Trackhouse Racing in 2023 but could be the odd man out if Shane van Gisbergen moves to the Cup Series starting in 2025. It’s unclear where Smith would go or if he would continue his contract with Trackhouse Racing. If not, Front Row Motorsports could be a great landing spot for Smith, and the team wouldn’t be opposed to the idea.

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Zane Smith linked to new team in the NASCAR Cup Series for 2025

Zane Smith has been linked to a new team in the NASCAR Cup Series for the 2025. Which team could Smith join for the 2025 season?

[autotag]Zane Smith[/autotag] is looking for a ride in the NASCAR Cup Series as Michael McDowell will replace him in the No. 71 Cup car in 2025. Smith has a contract with Trackhouse Racing and could be the third driver next year; however, Shane van Gisbergen is looking to move up. If so, where could Smith and Trackhouse Racing go for the 2025 season?

According to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Smith returning to Front Row Motorsports isn’t out of the question, but it’s not the most likely scenario. The driver of the No. 71 car drove part-time for Front Row Motorsports in the Cup Series while earning a championship with the organization in the NASCAR Truck Series during the 2022 season.

If Trackhouse Racing works with Smith to find a seat, replacing van Gisbergen at Kaulig Racing could be a good option. Smith has yet to run full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and has struggled in 2024. It would provide a good reset for the Spire Motorsports driver. Yet, Smith’s return to Front Row Motorsports can’t be ruled out.

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Zane Smith to run select Truck races with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in 2024

McAnally-Hilgemann Racing announced on Friday morning that Zane Smith will run select races in the NASCAR Truck Series in 2024.

[autotag]McAnally-Hilgemann Racing[/autotag] continues to add drivers to its lineup ahead of the 2024 NASCAR Truck Series season. On Friday morning, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing announced that [autotag]Zane Smith[/autotag] will run four races in the No. 91 truck this season. Smith will join Christian Eckes, Daniel Dye, Tyler Ankrum, and Jack Wood as drivers for the NASCAR team.

The 2022 Truck Series champion will drive the No. 91 truck at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 1, Bristol Motor Speedway on March 16, Texas Motor Speedway on April 12, and Kansas Speedway on May 4. Instacoat Premium Products will sponsor Smith in three of his four races, with the other event currently to be determined.

Smith is a massive addition to the McAnally-Hilgemann Racing lineup as he has proven his ability to win in the Truck Series. Eckes will lead the NASCAR organization for a second straight year, but it helps to have other winning drivers on the team. For Smith, breaking away from the NASCAR Cup Series and racing for victories in the Truck Series will be good.

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Zane Smith to be sponsored by Focused Health for 20 Cup Series races in 2024

Trackhouse Racing announced on Friday morning that Zane Smith will be sponsored by Focused Health in 20 NASCAR Cup Series races in 2024.

[autotag]Zane Smith[/autotag] signed with Trackhouse Racing for the 2024 NASCAR season and beyond; however, he will race for Spire Motorsports before transitioning to his new team. In 2024, Smith will drive the No. 71 Cup car as he becomes teammates with Corey LaJoie and Carson Hocevar for his rookie campaign. Now, the 2022 NASCAR Truck Series champion has a major sponsor.

On Friday morning, Trackhouse Racing announced that Focused Health will sponsor Smith for 20 Cup Series races in 2024. The company will make its debut on the No. 71 car at the Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum on February 4. The press release didn’t indicate any other races, but they will serve as the anchor sponsor for Smith.

There are high hopes for Smith as he looks to develop into a race-winning Cup Series driver. Spire Motorsports will represent a good first step for the 24-year-old driver as Trackhouse Racing aims for him to join the team in 2025. Smith will use the 2024 season as a stepping stone for years to come as he gets used to the grind of a full Cup Series schedule.

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Zane Smith’s new NASCAR Cup Series crew chief for 2024 revealed

Zane Smith’s new crew chief in the NASCAR Cup Series for the 2024 season has been revealed. Who is Smith’s new crew chief?

[autotag]Zane Smith[/autotag] signed a long-term contract with Trackhouse Racing during the 2023 NASCAR season; however, that doesn’t mean he will drive for them in 2024. Smith will pilot the No. 71 Cup car for Spire Motorsports in his rookie season alongside fellow rookie Carson Hocevar and Corey LaJoie. Now, the 24-year-old driver has a crew chief for next year.

Spire Motorsports announced on Wednesday afternoon that Stephen Doran will be Smith’s crew chief for the No. 71 team. Doran has been with Stewart-Haas Racing since 2012, and specifically the No. 4 team with Kevin Harvick since 2014. This will be the 38-year-old’s first opportunity to be a crew chief at NASCAR’s top level.

This is a good partnership as Smith looks to develop at Spire Motorsports next year. Doran has experience on a championship and race-winning team in the NASCAR Cup Series, so it should be great for Smith. For now, Smith and Doran will look ahead to the 2024 Daytona 500 as they both make their full-time debuts in the Cup Series.

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