Zane Smith, one of NASCAR’s rising stars, is making his highly anticipated return to Front Row Motorsports (FRM) for the 2025 season. The team confirmed Thursday that Smith, a 25-year-old from Huntington Beach, California, has signed a multi-year agreement to pilot the No. 38 Ford Mustang. Smith will join teammates Todd Gilliland and Noah Gragson as part of FRM’s bolstered Cup Series lineup.
A Homecoming for Smith
Smith expressed his excitement about returning to the team where he achieved remarkable success in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
“I’ve always felt at home with Front Row Motorsports,” Smith said. “They believed in me when I signed with them to race in the Truck Series in 2022, and we shared so much success, winning six races and a championship in two seasons. Now, going into next year, Front Row has really taken their Cup program to another level.”
Smith’s familiarity with the team, coupled with the camaraderie he shares with Gilliland and Gragson, sets the stage for a promising 2025 season.
“It’s a great time to come back and continue to build my career with an organization where I know I can win,” he added.
Dominance in the Truck Series
Smith’s tenure with FRM in the Truck Series remains a highlight of his career. In 2022, he captured the Truck Series championship in dominant fashion, with four wins, including a dramatic victory at Phoenix Raceway in the season finale. Smith also secured the regular season championship and led 492 laps across the year, underscoring his status as one of the series’ most consistent drivers.
Impressive Cup Series Journey
Smith has steadily climbed the NASCAR ranks, with his rookie Cup Series season in 2024 serving as a turning point. Driving the No. 71 car full-time, Smith recorded five top-10 finishes, including a runner-up result at Nashville Superspeedway and a fifth-place finish at Watkins Glen. Over his 45 Cup career starts, he has notched 17 top-20 finishes and earned a reputation for consistency, particularly in marquee events like the Daytona 500.
With FRM, Smith aims to build on these achievements and translate his Truck Series success to the Cup level.
The Right Support Team
Smith will reunite with Ryan Bergenty, who will serve as his crew chief for the 2025 season. Bergenty previously worked with Smith during a limited Cup schedule in 2023, and their chemistry is expected to play a pivotal role in the No. 38 team’s performance.
“We want to welcome Zane back to Front Row Motorsports,” said team owner Bob Jenkins. “He brought us our first championship, and we believe he can win in the NASCAR Cup Series, too. We have confidence in Zane.”
A Strong Foundation for 2025
With its driver lineup finalized, FRM is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the Cup Series. The addition of Smith complements the youthful and competitive roster of Gilliland and Gragson, creating a team poised for growth and success.
“This finalizes our drivers for 2025 in the Cup Series, and we can now make all our teams as strong as possible,” Jenkins added. “We’ve come a long way, but there’s a lot more ground to make up, too.”
Looking Ahead
Smith’s return to FRM signals a renewed commitment to excellence and a promising chapter for both driver and team. With a proven track record, strong teammates, and a supportive organization, Smith is poised to make waves in the Cup Series and elevate FRM to new heights.