Zane Smith, once heralded as a NASCAR hot prospect, found his promising trajectory challenged as fellow driver Carson Hocevar’s ascent reshaped the competitive landscape in 2024. Nearly two years ago, Smith was the driver gaining significant attention, earning a Cup Series ride with Spire Motorsports and being seen as a future star within the sport.
At that time, Smith’s advancement was tied to a new contract with Trackhouse Racing, which had yet to add a third Cup team, leading to his placement at Spire. On September 16, 2023, during a news conference at Bristol Motor Speedway, Smith was recognized as an unmissable talent with a bright future in NASCAR.
There was a short list of names, and Zane was at the top of that list the whole time,
said Trackhouse founder Justin Marks.
Huge fan of him, what he’s accomplished, his talent and his grind.
Early Struggles and Team Changes Mark Smith’s 2024 Season
However, Smith’s 2024 rookie season in the Cup Series did not meet expectations. Despite his successes in the Craftsman Truck Series, including nine wins and a 2022 championship, Smith struggled with an average finish of 23.2. After just 11 months, Trackhouse announced their decision to part ways with Smith, a move underscored by comparisons with Hocevar, who had also secured promotion to the Cup Series after four Truck victories.
As teammates at Spire Motorsports, the younger Hocevar, 23, outperformed Smith, 26, finishing nine positions ahead in the 2024 points standings. This performance gap laid the groundwork for tension between the two drivers.
Incidents on Track Amplify Tensions Between Smith and Hocevar
The rivalry flared notably at Iowa Speedway, where Hocevar caused Smith to spin after a restart. Smith fell multiple laps behind due to repairs and later attempted to retaliate unsuccessfully. Hocevar responded on social media by highlighting Smith’s failed maneuver, sharing in-car footage of the incident, and mocking Smith with a photo of a supermarket deli “Take a number” machine, insinuating that Smith was just another competitor drawn into Hocevar’s growing dominance.
The incident prompted a confrontation between Hocevar and Smith’s crew chief, reflecting the intensity of their on-track competition and the increasing friction within the sport’s young drivers.
Upcoming Challenges and Motivations at Watkins Glen International
Watkins Glen International presents the next major proving ground for both drivers, where memories of past success contrast with current challenges. Both Hocevar and Smith finished in the top five at the New York road course the previous year, setting the stage for a highly competitive weekend in 2024.
The event will be particularly significant for Smith, reminding him of the precarious nature of career momentum in NASCAR’s Cup Series. Adding to the competitive pressure, Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse’s third full-time Cup driver this season, is chasing a fourth straight victory on a street or road course, while Connor Zilisch, a 19-year-old prospect slated to replace Daniel Suárez at Trackhouse next year, will compete in all three national NASCAR series at The Glen.
Smith’s Transition and Reflection After a Difficult Year
Following his release from Trackhouse, Smith secured a ride with Front Row Motorsports for the 2025 season. Reflecting on the 2024 season, he acknowledged the difficulties but emphasized personal growth and resilience in the face of adversity.
There was a lot of unknowns and uncertainty and just kind of a bad taste, but with that, you move forward,
Smith said.
I’m trying to do better at living in the now and appreciating what I’ve got. Hopefully, I have a long future racing on Sundays, but nothing is ever promised in motorsports.
The Significance of Smith’s Career Trajectory in NASCAR
Zane Smith’s journey highlights the volatile nature of careers in NASCAR’s elite ranks, where early promise can quickly be challenged by rising competitors and shifting team dynamics. His struggles and ongoing rivalry with Hocevar demonstrate the fierce competition facing young drivers striving to establish themselves in the Cup Series.
With new opportunities ahead at Front Row Motorsports and key races like Watkins Glen providing crucial platforms, Smith’s persistence could reshape his narrative. Meanwhile, Hocevar’s rise continues to influence the sport’s landscape, signaling a changing of the guard among NASCAR’s younger talents.
