Zane Smith’s racing career has taken him from a varied early sports background to competing prominently in NASCAR‘s top tier, with his father Mike Smith playing a crucial role in guiding his path away from more dangerous off-road racing. Now a rising star at Front Row Motorsports in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, Zane consistently works to overcome the setbacks of his rookie season and aims for victories in the upcoming races.
From Childhood Talents to a Crossroads in Racing Disciplines
Zane Smith’s introduction to motorsports was diverse, starting with BMX bikes at the age of three before moving through go-karts and entry-level stock cars as a teenager. His father, Mike Smith, who built race trucks and managed a professional off-road racing team in Huntington Beach, originally influenced much of Zane’s early racing environment. Mike also had a strong passion for trophy truck racing, which introduced a potential alternative path for his son. In a ‘Stacking Pennies’ podcast episode, Zane shared,
“He is out in North Carolina now and does way less. But yeah, he was the team manager for the off-road race team.”
Despite this family tradition, Zane almost pursued trophy truck racing like his father did. He explained,
“I grew up racing trophy carts, which is like a mini trophy truck with like a 450 dirt bike engine. They’re awesome,”
highlighting his connection to this fast-paced, off-road form of motorsport. However, Mike Smith intervened, urging his son to reconsider the viability of such a career. Zane recalled,
“But I’d say, after that, my dad made it very clear to me, like, you don’t make a living in these.”
Experiencing the Risks and Rewards of Early Racing Adventures
Zane’s childhood included high-adrenaline moments, especially while racing trophy carts with his close friend Riley Herbst from earlier West Coast competitions. Although the excitement was palpable, the inherent risk was also undeniable. Reflecting on those days, Zane admitted,
“Ugh, man, I love it. But like, you have to have like, full trust…It’s insane to experience the different driving styles that people have. There are a few guys that come to mind. Dude, I was like, 8 years old riding these things like beach blankets…so sketchy, thinking back on it.”
This shows how early exposure to dangerous racing conditions shaped his understanding of the sport’s challenges.
Adding to those vivid memories was his interaction with NASCAR legend Robby Gordon, known not only for his NASCAR and IndyCar victories but also for his prominence in off-road racing and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Zane fondly remembered,
“Robby is like, incredibly talented. We actually used to have some little races at his shop. Like, he had this track. Those are some of the most fun summer nights I ever had.”
This connection emphasized the blend of skill and enjoyment that fueled Zane’s early love for racing.
The Turning Point: Choosing NASCAR Over Trophy Trucks
Mike Smith’s decision to steer Zane away from trophy truck racing turned out to be a pivotal moment, as Zane gradually focused more on stock car racing. While the trophy truck route held personal appeal, the reality of career sustainability in that field was daunting. Under his father’s guidance, Zane embraced the challenges of NASCAR, where his talent could develop with a clearer professional trajectory.
Zane Smith’s Rise Through the NASCAR Ranks
Entering the NASCAR scene, Zane made an impressive impact. In 2020, he became one of the youngest finalists to compete in the Camping World Truck Series Championship race, a significant achievement for a rookie driver. His perseverance deepened in 2022 when he secured four wins on his way to capturing the Truck Series championship. These accomplishments marked him as a standout competitor within the sport.
Transitioning to the NASCAR Cup Series posed new difficulties. His rookie season in 2024 was a struggle, as he finished 30th in the overall standings and unexpectedly parted ways with Spire Motorsports. However, Zane’s resilience remained unshaken. Signing with Front Row Motorsports offered a fresh start, and his results in 2025 signify a career rebound. This includes a notable third-place finish at Bristol, showcasing his ability to contend at high levels.
Consistent Performance and Ambitious Goals for 2025
Throughout the current season, Zane has been the fastest driver among Front Row Motorsports’ trio, steadily improving his track record. His Bristol podium boosted his average running position to a career-best eighth place, underscoring his growing competitiveness. Looking ahead, Zane is optimistic about upcoming circuits. He said,
“I think there are some great tracks coming up for us. Some that come to mind, Loudon. I feel pretty much my whole entire team has, in some way, a modified background, so I’m excited for this weekend. Kansas, Vegas, Martinsville, Talladega is in there. Phoenix we had a great run in the top ten earlier in the year. So I definitely feel we can go get our first win of the year.”
His determination to build upon these opportunities reflects a focused mindset, driven by past experience and the advice of his father. Mike’s early intervention not only kept Zane away from a risky racing avenue but also positioned him to thrive within NASCAR’s demanding environment.
The Importance of Guidance in Crafting a Successful Racing Career
Zane Smith’s journey highlights how critical parental guidance can be in shaping an athlete’s path, especially when the risks are high and career viability uncertain. Mike Smith’s cautionary advice and commitment to his son’s long-term stability likely altered Zane’s trajectory from a potentially dangerous off-road career to one with greater professional prospects in NASCAR.
Now, as Zane continues to climb the ranks, his story exemplifies resilience and the benefits of strategic decision-making in competitive sports. His progress throughout the 2025 NASCAR season will be followed closely, as fans and analysts watch to see if he can convert this momentum into consistent victories and solidify his place among the sport’s elite drivers.
