NASCAR: Trackhouse Racing Driver Laments ‘Tough’ Position As Exit Looms

As the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season progresses, Zane Smith faces the reality of his impending departure from Trackhouse Racing. Despite a challenging season, Smith remains committed to his racing career, actively seeking new opportunities for 2025.

Whilst speaking to the media at Daytona International Speedway, Smith commented, as quoted by Motorsport:

“Obviously, I am disappointed that I’ve been put in a tough spot,” said Smith in a release on Saturday.

“I am diligently exploring quality driving opportunities and hope to quickly wrap up my plans for next year.

“Meanwhile, kudos to our No. 71 Cup team. We’ve turned our 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 in Nashville.

“With more determination than ever, I will continue to do what I know best and that is to work hard, race my heart out, and prove myself. Thank you to everyone that has and continues to stand behind me.”

Trackhouse Racing’s lineup evolves with other drivers like Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez under contract. They will soon be joined by Shane van Gisbergen, who transitions from the NASCAR Xfinity Series after a successful career in Supercars.

The decision for Smith to part ways with Trackhouse was mutual, although it comes at a time when he has just bypassed the Xfinity Series to debut in his first full-time Cup season.

Speculation about Smith’s next steps is rife with potential opportunities at teams like 23XI Racing, RFK Racing, and notably Front Row Motorsports, which could expand its lineup.

NASCAR Cup Series: Current Standings

(As of the time of writing ahead of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway)

1. Tyler Reddick – 814 points
2. Chase Elliott – 804 points
3. Kyle Larson – 782 points
4. Ryan Blaney – 732 points
5. William Byron – 728 points
6. Denny Hamlin – 711 points
7. Christopher Bell – 703 points
8. Martin Truex Jr – 682 points
9. Brad Keselowski – 677 points
10. Ty Gibbs – 644 points
11. Alex Bowman – 627 points
12. Chris Buescher – 621 points
13. Ross Chastain – 606 points
14. Bubba Wallace – 605 points
15. Joey Logano – 561 points
16. Daniel Suárez – 526 points
17. Kyle Busch – 513 points
18. Chase Briscoe – 491 points
19. Austin Cindric – 460 points
20. Todd Gilliland – 455 points
21. Michael McDowell – 449 points
22. Carson Hocevar – 441 points
23. Josh Berry – 427 points
24. Noah Gragson – 425 points
25. Ricky Stenhouse Jr – 400 points
26. Ryan Preece – 367 points
27. Erik Jones – 361 points
28. Justin Haley – 346 points
29. Austin Dillon – 345 points
30. Daniel Hemric – 337 points
31. Corey LaJoie – 332 points
32. John H. Nemechek – 321 points
33. Zane Smith – 292 points
34. Harrison Burton – 266 points
35. Kaz Grala – 166 points
36. Cody Ware – 65 points
37. Joey Hand – 43 points
38. Jimmie Johnson – 39 points
39. Derek Kraus – 32 points
40. David Ragan – 17 points
41. Kamui Kobayashi – 8 points
42. Will Brown – 6 points
43. Cam Waters – 2 points