On Sunday, February 1, 2026, Zane Smith will pilot the No. 38 Long John Silver’s Ford Mustang Dark Horse team in the opening race of the NASCAR Cup Series season at Bowman Gray Stadium in North Carolina. The highly anticipated 200-lap Clash at Bowman Gray event will take place on the quarter-mile track, with live coverage beginning at 8:00 PM ET on FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM channel 90. The season kickoff will test Smith and his team as they aim to gain momentum ahead of the Daytona 500.
Details of the Clash at Bowman Gray Event
The Clash at Bowman Gray marks the start of the 38-race NASCAR Cup Series schedule, drawing intense fan interest with its fast-paced action on the tight quarter-mile oval. Smith’s No. 38 team will compete under the distinctive Long John Silver’s “Fish Yeah” livery, a fan favorite. The 200-lap exhibition demands focus and endurance, as the short track often produces close racing and challenging conditions for drivers and crews alike.
Smith’s Outlook Entering His Third Full-Time Season
Zane Smith arrives at Bowman Gray in his third full Cup Series season, with the experienced crew chief Ryan Bergenty returning to oversee race strategy. In 2025, the partnership yielded a top-five finish and five top-10s, building a foundation they hope to expand this season. Smith expressed eagerness to compete despite the cold conditions, emphasizing the event’s unique energy and its significance for building early-season momentum.
“This might be the coldest race weekend I’ve ever experienced but that’s just another part of the Clash experience that will make it unique for the fans watching. It was an electric atmosphere last year, and I’m confident this year we can make the main event and get some momentum on our side heading into Daytona.”?Zane Smith, Driver
Dedicated Team Behind Smith’s Success
Supporting Zane Smith is a diverse crew hailing from various parts of the country, bringing expertise in every area of race preparation. Key members include crew chief Ryan Bergenty from Plainville, Connecticut; car chief Will Norris from Bells, Tennessee; engineers Jacob Clamme of Hartford City, Indiana, and Chris Yerges from Green Bay, Wisconsin; as well as mechanics Steve Godfrey from West Haven, Connecticut, and Austin Bloom of Lowell, Oregon. Matt Fowler, based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, serves as the interior specialist, while spotter Ryan Blanchard from Bethlehem, Connecticut, guides Smith on the track. The transport team includes co-drivers Bryan Whitman from Newton, North Carolina, and Shawn Sellew of Stafford Springs, Connecticut, who ensure the equipment reaches each venue safely and promptly.
About Long John Silver’s and Front Row Motorsports
Long John Silver’s, the primary sponsor of Smith’s Mustang, was founded in 1969 with a mission to provide quality seafood and memorable dining experiences coast to coast. The company continues to expand its brand presence by offering its signature seafood to fans nationwide. Front Row Motorsports, the team fielding the No. 38 car, is a well-established competitor in NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series racing. Owned by Bob Jenkins since 2004, FRM earned championships in the 2021 Daytona 500 and the 2022 Truck Series. Operating from Mooresville, North Carolina, the organization runs multiple cars and trucks and strives to build on its recent successes.
Significance of the Clash for Smith and NASCAR Enthusiasts
The Clash at Bowman Gray serves as a pivotal moment for Zane Smith and his crew to sharpen their skills before the traditional season-opening Daytona 500. The intense environment of this short-track clash tests driver precision, team efficiency, and strategic decision-making early in the year. For NASCAR enthusiasts, this event offers a close-up view of emerging storylines, driver readiness, and the potential trajectory for the championship season ahead. Smith’s determination to perform well reflects his growth as a competitor and the ongoing effort by Front Row Motorsports to establish itself as a consistent contender in the Cup Series.
