DAYTONA BEACH, FLA.: Trackhouse Racing announced on Friday afternoon that Zane Smith will no longer be part of the organization
Less than a year ago, at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sept. 16, Trackhouse team owner Justin Marks named Smith as the latest addition to the company.
Although Smith signed a long-term contract, due to charter limitations, he was assigned to Spire Motorsports for the 2024 season.
Via X: “Trackhouse Racing and Zane Smith have mutually agreed to separate at the conclusion of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, allowing the 25-year-old former NASCAR Truck Series champion to immediately accept other opportunities. Smith drives the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in an alliance with Trackhouse Racing and will continue for the remainder of the season.”
Although Trackhouse has designs for a third driver—and a charter as soon as NASCAR finalizes an agreement with the Cup teams—Shane van Gisbergen appears to be in line for the ride originally promised to Smith.
van Gisbergen, who has been on loan to Kaulig Racing, leads the NASCAR Xfinity Series with three wins this season. The 35-year-old New Zealander won in his Cup debut with Trackhouse’s Project 91 group at the Chicago Street Course last season. He backed up the victory with a top 10 at the Indianapolis Grand Prix Course. In four Cup starts this season, the Kiwi’s best outing was 20th at Circuit of the Americas.
Trackhouse Racing also announced on Friday the addition of Acceptance Insurance as the sponsor for SVG in the No. 97 Kaulig Racing Chevy for seven of the remaining 12 Cup races this season.
Smith, 25, is currently 33rd in the standings. He finished second at Nashville Superspeedway on June 30, his only top-five result this season.
“Obviously, I am disappointed that I’ve been put in a tough spot,” Smith responded on X. “I am diligently exploring quality driving opportunities and hope to quickly wrap up my plans for next year. Meanwhile, kudos to our #71 Cup team. We’ve turned out year around this summer with six top-20 finishes in the last ten races, which includes a top-10 last weekend and a runner-up finish at Nashville.
“With more determination than ever, I will continue to do what I know best and that its to work hard, race my heart out, and prove myself.
“Thank you to everyone that has and continues to stand behind me.”
Smith isn’t likely to be on the sidelines for long. He appears to be a top candidate for the third Front Row Motorsports ride in 2025. Smith won the 2022 truck title with FRM after finishing second in the previous two seasons. From 2021 to 2023 with FRM, Smith posted seven wins 27 top fives, three poles and 43 top 10s in 68 starts.
Follow Lee Spencer on Twitter @CandiceSpencer or email her at: [email protected].
