[autotag]Zane Smith[/autotag] was not included when Front Row Motorsports announced their 2024 NASCAR Cup Series lineup and it was mildly surprising. Front Row Motorsports has been giving Smith the opportunity to drive the No. 38 car in place of Todd Gilliland for select races this season and many expected him to have a spot in their Cup Series lineup next year.
Instead, the defending NASCAR Truck Series champion remains in discussions with the organization as he explores other rides for the 2024 season. The idea of Smith joining Stewart-Haas Racing in the Cup Series is the ideal situation; however, what if that doesn’t take place and he remains looking for another seat?
What about the possibility of staying at Front Row Motorsports? This doesn’t seem like the most realistic option because Smith doesn’t really need another season in the Truck Series. The 24-year-old driver has nothing else to prove in the NASCAR division so unless the organization opens up an Xfinity Series entry, the likelihood of returning seems low.
NEWS. We have exercised our option on @Mc_Driver and @ToddGilliland_ for all races in 2024 in the @NASCAR Cup Series.
We continue discussions with @ZaneSmith as he also explores other opportunities.
Full release:https://t.co/jOKKNT1LC0 pic.twitter.com/0PAWbTF4Cz
— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) August 9, 2023
Stewart-Haas Racing could still add Smith to its NASCAR Xfinity Series lineup but it would likely depend on what happens with Cole Custer and Riley Herbst. The organization currently has two full-time entries and one of those drivers would likely need to leave for Smith to actually have a seat. Still, this would be his best opportunity in the Xfinity Series as Stewart-Haas Racing is the top Ford-backed team.
Finally, RSS Racing could be an option in the Xfinity Series if Front Row Motorsports and Stewart-Haas Racing don’t work out. Ford doesn’t have many organizations in the lower ranks so this would likely be Smith’s second-best option in the Xfinity Series. Plus, there are very limited Ford opportunities in the Cup Series.
If it came down to the Cup Series, there would be three main options with Stewart-Haas Racing, Wood Brothers Racing, and Rick Ware Racing. Harrison Burton is expected to return to Wood Brothers Racing so that would leave the other two teams. Ford’s lack of seats really makes this difficult so for Smith’s sake, Stewart-Haas Racing should sign him if Aric Almirola retires from NASCAR.