Zane Smith’s 2024 campaign in the NASCAR Cup Series has been underwhelming, with only four top-10 finishes and a single top-5 before his recent breakout at Bristol Motor Speedway. His remarkable third-place finish at Bristol not only marked his season-best result but also highlighted his growing expertise in tire management, a skill stemming from his earlier racing days. This display of skill at Bristol added fresh hope to Smith’s quest for success in a challenging season.
From Truck Series Stardom to Cup Series Challenges
Smith built a strong foundation during his time in the Truck Series, competing full seasons from 2020 to 2023. Across those years, he secured nine wins, made three championship four appearances, and clinched the Truck Series championship in 2022. His achievements echoed the trajectory of fellow rising star Corey Heim. Transitioning to the Cup Series in 2024 with Spire Motorsports, Smith piloted the #71 car but struggled to find consistent momentum, registering only two top-5 finishes.
Despite Spire Motorsports undergoing organizational changes, Smith’s past contributions, including his Truck Series championship-winning efforts, earned him a seat in the #38 car for the current season. Nevertheless, Smith has yet to establish steady footing. His strongest showings occur on tracks where tire conservation plays a pivotal role, drawing on lessons from his extensive Late Model racing background.
Mastering Tire Management at Bristol
The Bristol race was initially not expected to hinge on tire strategy, as practice sessions suggested a different scenario. However, once the race went green, tire degradation became a defining factor. Smith and his team executed a flawless tire management strategy, capitalizing on their experience with wearing tires. Reflecting on the weekend, Smith said,
“This past weekend brought back so many memories of Super Late Model days, where you just couldn’t always bolt on a set of tires. We were, at the end of the day, going through them fast, but it was all just about saving and managing and managing your track position, and then it came down to your crew chief telling you when he wanted to pit or when you were getting close to your number.” – Zane Smith, driver
Starting from 24th place, Smith surged through the field, reaching 5th by the end of stage one and 9th in stage two. In the final stage, he briefly led for five laps, positioning himself for a potential first Cup Series victory. However, a tight battle with Hocevar gave Christopher Bell an opening to overtake and claim the win, while Brad Keselowski also passed Smith to finish second. Ultimately, Smith settled for a solid third-place result, highlighting his ability to compete at a high level when tire strategy matters most.
Consistency in Tire-Dependent Races Throughout the Season
Smith’s performance at Bristol was not an isolated occurrence. Earlier in the season, he showed promise in races where tire wear influenced outcomes. He placed 16th at Martinsville Speedway and had strong showings in other tire-sensitive events such as North Wilkesboro Speedway, where he finished sixth in the All-Star Open, as well as 11th at Richmond Raceway and double-digit finishes at Darlington Raceway’s spring and fall races.
Looking ahead, Smith remains optimistic about leveraging his tire management skills to improve results. He shared,
“Fortunately, we have a lot of data and analytics looking at where we can improve and maybe circling more than one reason why we’re not. And I think we’re thankful for that because that could just naturally take a toll on a driver. But it was a good reminder on Saturday that I feel I still can win.” – Zane Smith, driver
What Lies Ahead for Smith Amid Team Uncertainty
Currently positioned 27th in the points standings, Smith faces a critical final stretch in the season, with seven races remaining to demonstrate his racecraft and potential for more consistent finishes. His career momentum is also tied to the future of Front Row Motorsports (FRM), which is involved in a legal battle with NASCAR. If NASCAR prevails in the December trial, FRM could cease operations due to financial challenges, placing Smith’s ride for 2026 in jeopardy. This situation adds extra pressure to Smith’s efforts as he strives to solidify his place within the Cup Series.
.@ZaneSmith scored a season-best third-place finish last weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Was this a fluke performance from Smith and @Team_FRM? No, it was his background peeking through.
"Brought back so many memories of Super Late Model days."https://t.co/Qp8D0KieFi— John Newby (@JohnNewby_) September 17, 2025
