Zane Smith Bio
Early Life and Background
Zane Michael Smith was born on June 9, 1999, in Huntington Beach, California. Growing up in a family connected to motorsports, Smith was exposed to racing from a young age. His father, Mike Smith, runs a professional off-road racing team that has achieved significant success, including multiple wins at the Baja 1000. Smith’s early involvement in racing began with go-karting in 2004, where he quickly made a name for himself by winning championships for five consecutive years.
As he progressed through the ranks, Smith transitioned to legends car racing and then to super late models in 2015. His early success included victories in various series, setting the stage for his future career in professional stock car racing.
Path to NASCAR
Smith’s journey to the NASCAR ranks began with his participation in the ARCA Menards Series. In 2016, he tested an ARCA car with Mason Mitchell Motorsports but faced setbacks due to an injury. However, he returned to compete in two ARCA races that year. By 2017, Smith was signed by Venturini Motorsports, where he competed full-time and earned Rookie of the Year honors. His performance continued to improve, leading to a full-time ride with MDM Motorsports in 2018, where he secured his first ARCA victory and finished second in the standings.
Smith made his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in 2018 with DGR-Crosley, showcasing his talent by finishing fifth in his first race. This initial exposure to NASCAR paved the way for his future success in the series.
Zane Smith Career
Early Career (2015-2019)
Smith’s early career was marked by significant achievements in late model racing, including a championship in the World Series of Asphalt Super Late Models in 2015. He made a successful transition to the ARCA Menards Series, where he won four races and finished second in the 2018 standings. His performance in ARCA led to opportunities in the NASCAR ranks, where he continued to build his reputation.
In 2019, Smith was set to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports but faced challenges that led him to focus on the Truck Series instead. His persistence paid off as he joined GMS Racing for the 2020 season.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Breakthrough (2020-2022)
In 2020, Smith joined GMS Racing for a full season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He achieved his first career victory at the Henry Ford Health System 200, followed by another win at the KDI Office Technology 200. Smith’s impressive performance throughout the season earned him the Rookie of the Year title and the Most Popular Driver award. He finished as the runner-up in the championship standings, solidifying his status as a rising star in NASCAR.
The following year, Smith continued to excel, clinching the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Regular Season Championship and ultimately winning the championship race at Phoenix. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career, as it was Front Row Motorsports’ first-ever NASCAR championship.
Front Row Motorsports Era (2022-Present)
In 2022, Smith made his debut in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Front Row Motorsports. He began the season with a victory at Daytona, showcasing his adaptability to the higher level of competition. Throughout the 2022 season, he demonstrated his potential by finishing 17th in his Cup Series debut at Gateway.
As of 2025, Smith continues to drive for Front Row Motorsports, where he has shown promise with multiple top-ten finishes. His performance has been marked by consistency and determination, as he aims to establish himself as a competitive driver in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Smith is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic approach to racing. His ability to adapt to different tracks and conditions has made him a formidable competitor in various series. He leverages his experience from lower-tier series to enhance his performance in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Smith’s career highlights include being the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion and the 2022 Regular Season Champion. He has also earned several Rookie of the Year titles across different series, showcasing his rapid ascent in the world of motorsports.
Zane Smith Career Wins
Zane Smith has achieved notable success across various racing series, accumulating a total of 9 wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and 4 wins in the ARCA Menards Series. His victories reflect his talent and determination as a race car driver.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
As of 2025, Smith has recorded 0 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series but has secured 10 top-ten finishes. His best finish in the series is 28th, and he continues to strive for his first Cup Series victory.
Previous NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Smith has achieved 9 wins, with his first victory coming in 2020. His most recent win was in 2023 at the XPEL 225, showcasing his continued competitiveness in the series.
Zane Smith Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Zane Smith comes from a family with a strong connection to motorsports. His father, Mike Smith, has been involved in off-road racing, contributing to Zane’s early exposure to the sport. Smith is married to McCall Gaulding, who is related to fellow driver Gray Gaulding, further intertwining his family with the racing community.
Personal Life
Smith maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his racing career while balancing his family commitments. His marriage to McCall Gaulding reflects his ties to the racing world, as they both share a passion for motorsports.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a challenging one for Zane Smith, as he began with a 36th-place finish at the Daytona 500. Despite facing difficulties, he earned his first career Cup Series pole at Talladega and has achieved three top-ten finishes. However, he missed the playoffs after finishing 28th in regular season points. Smith’s performance has shown flashes of potential, but consistency remains a key area for improvement as he looks to build on his experience in the Cup Series.