Zane Smith is gearing up for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway with a meaningful tribute highlighting the influence of racing fathers. Partnering with Michael Roberts Construction, Inc. (MRC), Smith will showcase a special paint scheme on his No. 38 MRC Ford Mustang Dark Horse that honors the legacies of both his father and MRC’s founder.
Honoring the Legacy of Racing Fathers Through Design
The hood of Smith’s car features a custom design titled Honoring our Great Fathers, paying respect to the racing dads pivotal in Smith’s and MRC president Mike Avila’s lives. Mike Avila is recognized as a world and national champion in boat racing, a passion fueled in part by the guidance of his father, Richard Avila, who was also a national champion. Similarly, Zane Smith’s father, Mike Smith, built a respected career as an off-road race truck builder, shaping his son’s path in motorsports.
The tribute design includes a collage of historic images portraying Richard Avila and Mike Smith, symbolizing the deep connection both men had to racing and their sons’ careers.
Smith Reflects on Support and the Importance of Family
Zane Smith expressed his enthusiasm for representing MRC this weekend, saying,
“I’m excited to represent MRC this weekend,”
and added,
“Mike Avila has been one of my longest and most loyal supporters. He’s been with me through nearly every stop in my career, including when we won the Truck Series championship in 2022. Together, Mike and I wanted to honor both of our fathers for the love and support they provided each of us as we built our own racing careers.”
Race Weekend and Competition Context
Sunday’s race at Sonoma marks the only NASCAR Cup Series visit to Smith’s home state of California during the 2025 schedule. In last year’s 1.99-mile road course event at Sonoma, Smith finished in 16th place. More recently, a 14th-place result at the Chicago Street Course helped Smith advance to the third round of the NASCAR In-Season Challenge, where he will face Ty Gibbs during this weekend’s event.
The race is set to start at 3:30 p.m. ET, with live broadcasts on TNT, the Performance Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
The Broader Significance of the Tribute
This collaboration between Zane Smith and Michael Roberts Construction not only highlights the individual racing achievements of their fathers but also emphasizes the enduring family support that shapes careers in motorsports. By honoring these racing legacies at Sonoma Raceway, Smith and MRC bring attention to the often-unseen influences behind the scenes, reflecting a shared respect for the past as they compete in the present.
