Front Row Motorsports is headed for an exciting 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season with the return of Zane Smith.
Smith, known for his success in the Truck Series, is set to drive the No. 38 Ford for FRM under a full-time, multiyear agreement. This development comes on the heels of FRM's acquisition of a racing charter from the now-closed Stewart-Haas Racing.
Smith's relationship with FRM began in 2022, where he first impressed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. During his tenure, he secured six victories and 24 top-five finishes over 46 starts, ultimately culminating in a championship win. He gained some valuable experience by making seven Cup starts for FRM in 2023, with a commendable 10th place finish at the Coca-Cola 600.
Smith spent his 2024 season with Spire Motorsports, driving the No. 71 Chevrolet. Speaking about the new contract, Smith explained:
"I've always felt at home with Front Row Motorsports.
"They believed in me when I signed with them to race in the Truck Series initially in 2022 and we shared so much success together, winning six races and a championship in two seasons.
"Unfortunately, everyone had to make tough decisions because there were only two Cup cars available at Front Row Motorsports going into last season when I was ready to move up full-time.
"Now, going into next year, Front Row has really taken their Cup program to another level and I cannot think of a better lineup of teammates. Todd (Gilliland) and Noah (Gragson) are great friends of mine and we all have a lot to prove as young drivers in the Cup Series.
"It is a great time to come back and continue to build my career with an organization where I know I can win.
"I want to thank Bob (owner, Bob Jenkins), Jerry (general manager, Jerry Freeze) and Mark Rushbrook at Ford for making this happen.
"I know that we can win together in the Cup Series like we did in the Truck Series. It's a great time to come back as we continue to make FRM even better."
FRM has solidified its team lineup with the inclusion of Smith, Todd Gilliland, and newcomer Noah Gragson. Gilliland has been a part of FRM since 2020, transitioning to the Cup Series in 2022. Gragson, making his move from Stewart-Haas Racing, brings valuable experience from his 75 Cup starts.
Smith will be working with Ryan Bergenty as his crew chief, maintaining a collaboration they started during Smith's six Cup starts in 2023.
Owner Bob Jenkins welcomed Smith's return to FRM, reflecting on his past success with the team:
"We want to welcome Zane back to Front Row Motorsports.
"He brought us our first championship and we believe that he can win in the NASCAR Cup Series, too. We have always believed in his talents, and we will work hard to give him what he needs to be successful. We have confidence in Zane.
"This finalizes our drivers for 2025 in the Cup Series and we can now make all our teams as strong as possible. We have come a long way, but there is a lot more ground to make up, too. We now have the drivers who can build on where we are today and take us to the next level."
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