NASCAR: The driver linked to the newly added Cup seat for 2025

As a seasoned gamer who’s been following NASCAR for what feels like a lifetime, I can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu with Front Row Motorsports’ recent moves. It seems like Zane Smith is poised to make a comeback to the team he once called home.

Front Row Motorsports obtained a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing early in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, which they’ll use in 2025. Notably, Stewart-Haas Racing announced their closure at the end of the year, making this move. This decision signifies an increase in their team size from two to three cars for the upcoming season.

Team led by Bob Jenkins is among the duo, alongside 23XI Racing, who haven’t finalized the latest NASCAR charter contract as yet. However, their intention remains to participate in the 2025 season, with an available driving position still open for grabs.

2021 Daytona 500 champion Michael McDowell plans to depart from Front Row Motorsports, where he’s driven the No. 34 Ford for seven years. Instead, he will be moving on to Spire Motorsports in a new chapter of his racing career.

Todd Gilliland has agreed to continue with Front Row Motorsports for a fourth term, but it’s uncertain if he’ll pilot the existing Ford car (No. 38), the No. 34 Ford, or the new addition (likely No. 36). Additionally, Front Row Motorsports have also recruited Noah Gragson, currently driving for Stewart-Haas Racing.

Who will be the third Front Row Motorsports driver?

Probably a driver who, believe it or not, was once tied to the team through 2026 to begin with.

Following two consecutive championship finishes with GMS Racing in 2020 and 2021, Zane Smith raced for Front Row Motorsports in the Truck Series from 2022 to 2023. In 2022, he clinched the title, and his contract with the team extended until 2026 under a development agreement.

The agreement encompassed certain Cup Series races in 2023, necessitating Todd Gilliland’s occasional relinquishment of his position during the year following a challenging rookie season marked by some tough times.

However, upon McDowell’s renewal for 2024, Smith was given the freedom to explore different paths. He eventually secured a development contract with Trackhouse Racing Team and was temporarily assigned to Spire Motorsports for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series.

However, he won’t rejoin Spire Motorsports in 2025, as his association with Trackhouse Racing Team has concluded. This is because Justin Marks and Pitbull’s team have chosen to assign Shane van Gisbergen to their newly acquired third entry for the upcoming year.

Smith is expected to rejoin Front Row Motorsports next season, taking over the role previously held by the driver who was hired to replace him at Spire Motorsports. This driver’s extended contract with Front Row Motorsports last year allowed Smith to seek out the position he now holds at Spire Motorsports.

Could he end up being part of the young Front Row Motorsports roster alongside Gilliland and Gragson next year?

2024-10-13 14:32

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