Front Row Motorsports brings back the championship contender

Front Row Motorsports has taken a big step into the future. Team NASCAR has confirmed Zane Smith’s return as part of a long-term deal that begins in all three National Series.

FRM announced the news on August 25. The team confirmed that Smith will return to the #38 Ford F-150 during the 2023 season. He will also fit in with the season opener Daytona 500, which will be his second start in the Cup Series. The deal will also include some potential Xfinity series beginnings.

“We were thrilled with Zane’s performance this season,” Team owner Bob Jenkins said in a statement. “We always felt he was the next star in the sport, and he has proven that this season.

“We have a plan in place for him and our next step will be to put Zane and this team into the NASCAR Cup Series races where we know we can be successful. We also want to give Zane the opportunity to win more races and the championship through our Truck Series program, and we’re excited to see what the season will do. next”.

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Smith joined FRM ahead of the 2022 season

GTZane Smith will start more Cup Series in 2023.

Smith, who has finished second in the Championship standings in two consecutive seasons, took a step ahead of the 2022 Truck Series season. He joined Front Row Motorsports and took 38th place after Todd Gilliland moved to the Cup Series.

Smith has had success since making the move. He’s made it to Victory Lane three times, including the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway. He also accumulated 15 top 10 and 10 top five spots while winning the regular season championship.

Smith is currently second in the championship standings after the first two qualifying races. Still looking for a place in the fourth championship, he will continue to pursue that goal when the truck series returns to action at Kansas Speedway on September 9.

“Front Row Motorsports has a lot of great momentum now, not only with the Truck Series program, but also with the Cup Series program,” Smith said in the press release. “While I am now 100 per cent focused on qualifying and racing the Truck Series to win a championship for our partners, I am excited about what the future holds next season as I also have the opportunity to compete at the next level and continue to grow as a race car driver.”

Smith has already presented the Cup Series for the first time

GTZane Smith practices at the Nashville Superspeedway.

The California native focused on the Truck Series schedule and reaching the fourth championship for the third consecutive season. He also debuted in the Trophy series for a unique reason.

RFK Racing announced before the race at World Wide Technology Raceway that Chris Bucher will not be making the trip. Driver 17 has tested positive for COVID-19, which means he will miss his first Cup Series race at the Illinois circuit.

Smith intervened as a substitute in short order. He drove the #17 Ford with no prior trophy series experience, and put in a solid performance. Smith qualified for 32nd, but worked his way across the field and eventually turned 17th while avoiding accidents and ending the day on the first lap.

Smith will now have the opportunity to gain more experience in the Trophy Series. He will work with Front Row Motorsports and compete in the 2023 Daytona 500, as well as other races of the Cup Series.

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