What does it take for a driver to turn their season around? Just one solid race result, for sure! Who knows this better than the No. 38 driver for Front Row Motorsports, Zane Smith? For Zane Smith, the journey in the NASCAR Cup Series has been a rollercoaster ride. In 2023, he kicked off his Cup career with Front Row Motorsports, scoring a solid 13th place at the Daytona 500 before making a move to Spire Motorsports in 2024. However, after his rookie season, Smith decided to head back to Front Row Motorsports in 2025.
His departure from Spire Motorsports was largely driven by the desire for better chances to shine. Now that he has been handed the chances that he wanted, he is delivering consistent results. And, after a killer performance at Phoenix, Smith is feeling the redemption vibes. His top-10 finish not only gave him a confidence boost but also showed that Front Row Motorsports is ready to make some noise this season.
Zane Smith is slowly climbing his way to the top
Zane Smith’s 2025 Cup Series season began with a tough start. His participation in the Daytona 500 ended in disappointment with a DNF. Smith managed to complete only 108 of the 201 laps after being involved in an accident during Stage One. Despite a promising start, where he briefly ran as high as second, Smith’s race was cut short because of damage sustained in the incident.
As the season progressed, Smith’s results gradually improved. He showed signs of consistency, laying the groundwork for a breakthrough. At Atlanta, Smith managed to finish 11th. However, at COTA, he finished 29th as he had to start the race at the rear because of unapproved adjustments. At Phoenix, Smith delivered once again as he finished in 9th place.
His strong car in practice at Phoenix was a promising sign, as he noted after the race in a conversation with Frontstretch, “We just had a strong car in practice. I liked it straight from the get-go.” Smith’s ability to “make hay on restarts” was crucial, as he progressed from 20th in Stage One to 18th in Stage Two, eventually finishing 9th. The timing of late race cautions allowed him to re-rack and maintain his position after passing multiple cars.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 06: Zane Smith, driver of the #71 Focused Health Chevrolet, waves to fans as he walks onstage during the NCS Driver Engagement on the Main Stage at the Chicago Street Course on July 06, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Zane Smith also attributed his success at Phoenix to his strategic driving and the use of option tires. Ahead of the season, NASCAR announced they would be testing out their ‘softer’ option tires at the Phoenix spring race, with a possibility of it being the primary tire in the season finale. The softer tires provide more grip and faster wear, making strategies pivotal throughout the race.
Smith praised the soft tires, saying they created more passing opportunities and made the race fun. Smith noted, “I felt Phoenix has always been kind of like either a hit-or-miss race, and [the tire] just created a lot more passing.” When asked about what the finish means to him, Smith answered, “Not only a confidence booster. It’s been a while since I had fun again.”. Smith really needed a high-place finish, as the COTA result must have dampened his morale a bit.
Finally, when asked about his day, Smith reflected, “Today, I had a ton of fun.” This sentiment underscored the importance of enjoying racing for better performance. We hope to see Zane Smith continue this momentum, as his positive attitude and improved results suggest a promising future with Front Row Motorsports.
A closer look at the team dynamics at Front Row Motorsports
As Zane Smith continues to build momentum, his teammates at Front Row Motorsports are also crucial to the team’s success. Todd Gilliland and Noah Gragson join Smith in a youthful trio, each bringing unique strengths to the table. Gilliland, now driving the No. 34 Ford, has shown promise with consistent top-20 finishes. Plus, he is having a growing leadership role within the team.
Gilliland’s confidence in leading FRM is evident. He now aims to push the team into the top ten consistently. He noted that while they’ve made progress, there’s still a significant jump needed to compete with top-tier teams. “I think at this point, where we’re at now, it’s a massive jump to the next level,” Gilliland said ahead of the 2025 Daytona 500. Gilliland’s experience and leadership will be vital in guiding FRM toward this goal.
Noah Gragson, driving the No. 4 Ford, brings energy and talent to the team. His partnership with MillerTech highlights the team’s growing appeal to sponsors. Gragson’s ability to connect with fans and his teammates could enhance the team’s overall performance by fostering a positive atmosphere. Gragson also notched up an 8th place finish at COTA, showing his road course prowess as Gilliland joined him with a 10th place finish, marking a successful run for FRM.
Front Row Motorsports’ expansion to three cars presents both opportunities and challenges. The team must balance resources and communication effectively to ensure all drivers have competitive equipment. Despite these challenges, FRM’s youthful lineup offers a promising future, with each driver capable of delivering strong performances.
As FRM navigates these team dynamics, they are also embroiled in a legal battle with NASCAR over antitrust issues. This ongoing dispute could have significant implications for the team’s future. Will the legal challenges hinder FRM’s ability to compete at the top level, or will they find a way to navigate these issues and continue their upward trajectory? Let us know in the comments!
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