Chandler Smith will drive the No. 5 Ford Mustang for Hettinger Racing in the upcoming two NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races, the team announced on March 2. Smith, who races full time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Front Row Motorsports, is set to compete at Phoenix Raceway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway for Hettinger.
Team Owner Chris Hettinger Highlights Smith’s Experience and Impact
Chris Hettinger emphasized the value Smith brings to the team this season.
“It’s been a pretty steep learning curve so far this season and putting Chandler in our racecar will hopefully make the curve a little less steep these next two weeks,”
Hettinger said. He added,
“Chandler’s young, but he brings a lot of experience to our organization. He knows how to win, and he just proved it a few weeks back at Daytona. His expertise and his feedback will be a major plus for us so we can get better, faster.”
Smith’s Recent Success and Enthusiasm for New Opportunities
Earlier this year, Smith drove in the series for Joe Gibbs Racing and captured attention by winning the Daytona Truck Race with a dramatic four-wide pass. On joining Hettinger Racing for these events, Smith shared his excitement:
“I love to race, and with the Truck Series off these next two weeks, the opportunity to race in the O’Reilly Series was an easy one.”
He continued,
“Plus, anytime you can step into a new program and help it grow is pretty rewarding.”
He also noted the strong commitment from Hettinger, saying,
“It’s impressive to see Chris’ commitment to competing at this level. He wants more and I want more for him. Definitely looking forward to seeing what we can do together.”
Current Standings and Team Background
Smith currently leads the Truck Series standings with one win, two top-five finishes, and three top-10 placements through the first three races of the season. Meanwhile, Hettinger Racing has featured drivers Luke Fenhaus and Tyler Gonzalez in earlier events this year, building experience and momentum as they prepare to welcome Smith for the upcoming races.
Significance of Smith’s Entry for Hettinger and NASCAR Fans
This partnership brings a promising blend of youthful talent and competitive spirit to Hettinger Racing as the team navigates a challenging season. Smith’s proven track record and determination to contribute meaningfully could elevate the team’s performance at Phoenix Raceway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. For NASCAR fans, his participation adds excitement and raises expectations for intense racing action in the next two O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events.
