[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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