NASCAR: Ex-Joe Gibbs Racing driver leaves Toyota for a second time

As a devoted NASCAR fan with years of racing knowledge under my belt, I can’t help but feel a mix of empathy and admiration for Chandler Smith. His journey through the motorsport ranks, marked by resilience and determination, is truly inspiring. Despite the setbacks and twists in his career path, he continues to rise above and prove his worth.

At the close of the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, which marked his debut with Joe Gibbs Racing and his second year as a full-time driver in the series, Chandler Smith hinted that he might not be able to race in 2025 due to having a job offer from his father’s company, Smith Construction, starting in 2025, unless a NASCAR deal materialized.

In many instances of motorsport, financial resources rather than raw talent have been the deciding factor for who lands which seat, and this unfortunate trend is also noticeable below the Cup Series level. For instance, despite a successful two-win season where he made a strong playoff run with Joe Gibbs’ team, Smith was not offered an extension beyond the 2024 season by the team.

In a different move, the team re-signed experienced player Brandon Jones, previously with us between 2018 and 2022, as well as recruiting rising talents Taylor Gray and William Sawalich.

However, Smith has just made it clear that a comeback to Joe Gibbs Racing is not an option for now, but he intends to participate in racing competitions in 2025 instead.

Now his new ride has been confirmed.

Originating from Talking Rock, Georgia at the age of 22, this racer is all set to team up with Front Row Motorsports in the Truck Series. He’s been assigned to pilot a second truck (the number yet undecided) for their Ford team. It has already been confirmed that Layne Riggs will be back for another year, driving the No. 38 Ford, following his successful rookie season with two victories in 2024.

Starting from 2020, Bob Jenkins’ team has always fielded only one truck on a full-time basis in the Truck Series. The recruitment of Smith, therefore, signifies an expansion for the entire organization.

Twice in the past three years, Smith, who was once seen as a rising star at Toyota, has departed from the manufacturer. His association with Toyota in NASCAR began when he joined Venturini Motorsports for his part-time ARCA Menards Series run in 2018.

For two consecutive Truck Series seasons (in 2021 and 2022) under Kyle Busch Motorsports, he chose to depart from Toyota and switch to Chevrolet, aiming for a promotion to the Xfinity Series. Initially, he had a multi-year contract with Kaulig Racing that also allowed some Cup Series appearances. However, his deal was terminated early by Joe Gibbs Racing, leading to a reunion with Toyota in 2024.

The upcoming truck racing season for 2025 kicks off on Valentine’s Day, February 14. This will take place at the Daytona International Speedway with the event named Fresh From Florida 250. Coverage of the live action will be offered by Fox Sports 1, starting at 7:30 PM Eastern Time.

2024-12-21 16:02

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