NASCAR champion closely linked to return to former team

NASCAR champion closely linked to return to former team

As a long-time NASCAR enthusiast with decades of following the sport under my belt, this recent turn of events has me revving up like a well-tuned engine! The ruling in favor of 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports is not just a win for these teams, but a significant shift that could reshape the landscape of NASCAR.

Last week’s decision by the judge favored 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, allowing them to move forward with signing the charter agreement and initiate their antitrust legal action against NASCAR.

The preliminary order grants them permission to compete as established teams with their current two licenses, and it additionally permits them to acquire one license from Stewart-Haas Racing apiece. This results in each team having three licenses, setting the stage for NASCAR to field the standard 36 licenses in 2025.

23XI Racing has previously announced the addition of a third driver, with Riley Herbst being confirmed as joining forces with Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick starting from next season. In contrast, Front Row Motorsports has yet to make such an announcement.

Zane Smith linked to Front Row Motorsports for 2025

The team has disclosed that Todd Gilliland will shift from driving the No. 38 Ford to the No. 34 Ford previously piloted by Michael McDowell, who is joining Spire Motorsports. Additionally, they’ve recruited former Stewart-Haas Racing driver Noah Gragson, but his assigned vehicle number has yet to be determined. The numbers for the third car are also still undecided.

Previously bound to the team until 2026, Zane Smith has been associated with them for the year 2025. After clinching the 2022 Truck Series title under Bob Jenkins’ team, he stayed with them in 2023. However, despite a long-term contract with Front Row Motorsports, he was granted the opportunity to explore racing opportunities elsewhere.

In the 2024 Cup Series season, Smith joined Spire Motorsports as a novice driver. His best result was a second-place finish at Nashville Superspeedway. However, before the 2025 season, the team decided to part ways with him. McDowell will take over driving duties for the No. 71 Chevrolet instead.

It was assumed that Smith would secure a return to Front Row Motorsports for the Cup Series in 2025, one way or another. However, since the team is now authorized to field three chartered entries rather than open (non-chartered) ones, it seems highly likely that this return will be officially confirmed.

The upcoming NASCAR Cup Series season for 2025 kicks off on February 16th, Sunday, with the 67th edition of the Daytona 500. Fox will broadcast this significant event, known as “The Great American Race,” live from Daytona International Speedway starting at 2:30 p.m., Eastern Time.

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2024-12-25 17:02

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