Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Zane Smith (racing driver)

How Zane Smith (racing driver) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Zane Smith is an American professional stock car racing driver currently competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Front Row Motorsports (FRM). He drives the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. A significant achievement in his career is winning the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship, also while driving for FRM. This title underscores his talent and success in the Truck Series before transitioning to the Cup Series.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2004: Transition to Go-Karting

In 2004, Zane Smith transitioned from BMX racing to go-karting, where he dominated by winning championships for five consecutive years.

January 2016: ARCA Menards Series Car Test

In January 2016, Zane Smith tested an ARCA Menards Series car with Mason Mitchell Motorsports at Daytona International Speedway, but he was later sidelined due to a wakeskating injury.

2016: Signed with Venturini Motorsports

In late 2016, Zane Smith signed with Venturini Motorsports to drive in the 2017 ARCA Racing Series.

November 6, 2017: Re-signed with MDM Motorsports

On November 6, 2017, Zane Smith re-signed with MDM Motorsports for the 2018 season to compete full-time in their No. 41 Toyota.

June 2018: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Debut

In June 2018, Zane Smith made his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut with DGR-Crosley at Gateway Motorsports Park, finishing 5th.

December 18, 2018: Joined JR Motorsports

On December 18, 2018, JR Motorsports announced that Zane Smith would drive the No. 9 entry in the Xfinity Series for eight races during the 2019 season.

January 25, 2019: Switched to No. 8 Car

On January 25, 2019, Zane Smith switched to the No. 8 car in the Xfinity Series, as Noah Gragson took over the No. 9 entry.

August 8, 2020: Stadium Super Trucks Debut

On August 8, 2020, Zane Smith made his Stadium Super Trucks debut at Road America, finishing fifth in the first race and sixth in the second.

2020: Joined GMS Racing for Full Season

In 2020, Zane Smith joined GMS Racing for the full NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series season. He earned his first Truck Series victory and was named Rookie of the Year.

May 2021: Returned to NASCAR Xfinity Series

In May 2021, Zane Smith made a one-off return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, substituting for Justin Haley at the Drydene 200.

November 30, 2021: Joined Front Row Motorsports

On November 30, 2021, Zane Smith was announced as the driver of the No. 38 truck for Front Row Motorsports in the 2022 NASCAR Truck Series season.

2021: Returned to GMS Racing

In 2021, Zane Smith returned to GMS Racing for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season, securing a win at the United Rentals 200 and finishing second in the championship standings.

June 2, 2022: Cup Series Debut

On June 2, 2022, Zane Smith made his Cup Series debut, replacing Chris Buescher at Gateway and finishing 17th.

June 2023: Competed in Xfinity Series at Nashville

In June 2023, Zane Smith competed in the Xfinity Series at Nashville, driving the No. 28 car for RSS Racing and finished 7th.

September 16, 2023: Signed with Trackhouse Racing

On September 16, 2023, Zane Smith signed a multi-year deal with Trackhouse Racing, with plans to drive for Spire Motorsports in 2024 and join Trackhouse full-time in 2025.

2023: Cup Series Finishes

In 2023, Zane Smith drove the Front Row Motorsports No. 36 to a 13th-place finish at the Daytona 500 and later piloted the Rick Ware Racing No. 51 at Martinsville.

2023: Victories and Playoff Run

In 2023, Zane Smith started the season by winning at Daytona for the second consecutive year. He also secured a victory at the Circuit of the Americas and earned eight top-five finishes during the regular season. During the playoffs, Zane advanced to the Round of 8 but was later eliminated after being disqualified at Homestead.

January 2, 2025: Returns to Front Row Motorsports

On January 2, 2025, Front Row Motorsports announced that Zane Smith will return to the team as the driver of the No. 38 Ford Dark Horse Mustang for the 2025 season.