Just weeks ago, Chandler Smith faced the harsh reality of an uncertain future in NASCAR. The 2024 season had concluded, and despite an exceptional year in the Xfinity Series—where he finished fifth in the standings, racked up two wins, and led the series with 15 top-five finishes—Smith found himself without a seat for the upcoming season. The former Joe Gibbs Racing driver even contemplated leaving racing entirely to join his father’s construction business, Smith General Contracting. But fate had other plans.
Enter Front Row Motorsports, a team looking to expand its lineup in the Craftsman Truck Series. Recognizing Smith’s undeniable talent and hunger, they offered him a lifeline. What might seem like a step down for some—a return to the Truck Series—felt like a lifeline for Smith, who is ready to prove that his racing story is far from over.
From Xfinity Success to Truck Series Rebirth
Smith’s Xfinity performance in 2024 was nothing short of stellar. Despite operating on a tight budget, he managed to outperform even the series champion, Justin Allgaier, in several metrics. Smith’s average finish of 10.3 was the best in the series, and his playoff run included nine consecutive top-10 finishes. Yet, financial constraints and shifting team priorities left him sidelined for 2025—until Front Row Motorsports came calling.
Smith is set to pilot one of Front Row’s Ford F-150s in the 2025 Truck Series, joining a team with a proven track record. Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Smith expressed his gratitude and excitement:
“For me to still be in the top 3 NASCAR Series and still be in a winning truck, like Front Row Motorsports, means the world to me. I’m excited to contend for wins and possibly a championship.”
Why the Truck Series is the Perfect Stage for Smith
Smith isn’t new to the Truck Series. Between 2019 and 2023, he competed in 62 races, earning five wins and consistently delivering strong performances. His 2022 season was particularly impressive, finishing third in the points standings with Kyle Busch Motorsports. Returning to the series now provides Smith with a familiar platform to reignite his career while contributing to Front Row’s expansion efforts.
While some may view a move back to the Truck Series as a step backward, Smith sees it differently:
“People might look at this as a downgrade, but the reality of it is, at one point, there was a path where I wasn’t even racing next year.”
Smith’s optimism and determination are evident, and his focus is clear: win races and contend for a championship. With the backing of Front Row Motorsports, he aims to silence any doubts about his place in NASCAR.
Challenges and Redemption
Smith’s return comes with its share of challenges. The Truck Series is fiercely competitive, and joining a new team late in the off-season means he’ll need to hit the ground running. Yet, Smith thrives under pressure. His resilience was on full display during the Xfinity playoffs, where he delivered some of his best performances despite knowing his future with Joe Gibbs Racing was uncertain.
Reflecting on that tough period, Smith shared:
“It was tough… I needed to come to peace with everything and trust that it was going to work out. Did it still keep me up at night? It really did.”
A New Chapter Begins
Front Row Motorsports’ decision to bring Smith on board represents a vote of confidence in his abilities. For Smith, it’s an opportunity to rebuild and redefine his career, proving that his talent belongs on NASCAR’s biggest stages. With a focus on Daytona as the season opener, Smith is eager to make an immediate impact:
“Hopefully, I can knock the rust off and go Truck racing, starting off with a bang in Daytona.”
While 2025 might be a transitional year for Smith, his eyes are firmly set on a championship run. His journey from uncertainty to a fresh start with Front Row Motorsports is a testament to his resilience and determination.