DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.: Entering Thursday night’s Bluegreen Vacation Duel No. 1 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, Zane Smith had just one mission on his mind – race his way into the DAYTONA 500.
The driver of the No. 36 Wellcare Ford Mustang for Front Row Motorsports started 15th and drove his way forward gaining both valuable positions and experience with the inside his NextGen Ford Mustang.
Using patience and the draft to his advantage, the Huntington Beach, Calif. native drafted to 10th. Guidance from spotter Tony Raines, Smith would connect with Front Row Motorsports teammate Michael McDowell where the two cars clicked off laps but fall behind the lead pack.
“That was really my game plan, to stick to whatever Michael (McDowell) does,” Smith admitted. “Obviously, he’s very successful on the superspeedways. Fortunately, our plan worked.”
Diligent work by the two would eventually allow them to rejoin the lead pack, but it came with about fuel and whether or not Smith had enough to make it to the checkered flag.
Advised by crew chief Chris Lawson, Smith was reminded of what to do if he began to lose fuel pressure.
Thankfully, the lack of fuel never became a concern and Smith powered to an eighth-place finish good enough to secure one of the 40 starting positions for Sunday’s 65th annual DAYTONA 500.
“Once we got to about 10 to go I’m like, man, please, please no caution,” explained Smith following his Duel. “But just a huge shout-out to my whole FRM team, our Wellcare Mustang was good enough to get in, which there’s a lot of really good open cars.”
By finishing in eighth position and advancing to the Dayton 500 on Sunday, Smith would be part of a historic day in NASCAR. It will be the first time in history that the reigning Cup, Xfinity and Truck champions all will compete in the Daytona 500 together.
“Yeah, definitely when I heard that, I didn’t want to let everyone down because I was the only one that had to get in, obviously. Happy we were able to get in, and we have a pretty good starting spot, honestly.
“I don’t know who I’ll share a row with yet, but excited to race this Wellcare Ford Mustang on Sunday afternoon.”
With his guaranteed spot in Sunday’s race, Smith will pull double duty. On Friday night, he’ll compete in the NextEra Energy 250 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race for Front Row Motorsports.
He’ll look to defending his Truck Series win before focusing on the biggest race of his life.
Follow Grace Krenrich on Twitter @grace3140 or email [email protected]
