Zane Smith’s journey in NASCAR is far from over. Despite not making the playoffs in 2024, his P5 finish at Watkins Glen and his continued growth as a driver are clear indicators that he’s on the cusp of something big
With speculation about future team opportunities and the unwavering support of his family, Smith’s career trajectory is trending upward.
His future in the Cup Series might be uncertain for now, but it’s clear that Zane Smith has the talent, determination, and support system to make a lasting impact in NASCAR.
As the 2024 NASCAR season unfolds, both Zane Smith and Michael McDowell will be looking to move past the Watkins Glen incident and focus on their future goals.
For Smith, the priority will be to continue improving and finishing strong in the races leading up to his departure from the #71 car. For McDowell, the focus will shift to preparing for his new role and making the most of his opportunity next season.
While the Watkins Glen incident may fade into the background as the season progresses, it’s clear that the rivalry between Smith and McDowell is far from over. Fans can expect more intense racing and potential fireworks as the two drivers continue to compete in the NASCAR circuit.
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Zane Smith: Road to a Potential Cup Series Future
Zane Smith’s recent P5 finish at Watkins Glen in the NASCAR Cup Series is an indication that the young driver is on the brink of something bigger, even if he isn’t part of the 2024 playoff picture.1
His performance isn’t just a personal victory; it’s potentially a major stepping stone for his career in the top tier of NASCAR. Coupled with the support from his wife, McCall Smith, and growing speculation about his future team, Zane’s Cup Series journey is gathering momentum.
This article explores his career trajectory, the significance of his recent performance, and what lies ahead for the rising star.
Zane Smith’s Transition from Truck to Cup Series
Zane Smith’s journey to the NASCAR Cup Series began in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he established himself as a competitive driver.
His consistency in the Truck Series earned him a solid reputation, particularly after his P7 finish in the overall standings. Smith’s ability to make the leap from Trucks to the Cup Series in just a few years is impressive, highlighting his potential for success at the highest level of stock car racing.
Smith’s rookie season in the Cup Series is 2024, a pivotal year for his career. Despite not being part of the playoff field, his performances have garnered attention.
The Watkins Glen race, in particular, showed that Smith has the skills and determination to compete with some of the best in the sport, even when the odds are stacked against him.
Most fun I’ve had all year! Coming through a cup field twice says a lot about the speed we had today. Appreciate the effort with everything on our plate to finish this year strong. P5 👊 @WGI! pic.twitter.com/EZf5sczskw
— Zane Smith (@ZaneSmith) September 15, 2024
Overcoming Obstacles: Watkins Glen Performance
- At Watkins Glen, Smith faced several challenges. He started from P19, a midfield position that could have easily kept him from making a significant impact.
- However, through sheer determination and strategic driving, Smith worked his way up through the field.
- By Stage 1, he had improved to P18, and by Stage 2, he found himself in P13. His ability to move through the pack, combined with overcoming a speeding penalty during the race, demonstrated his composure and skill under pressure.
- Ultimately, Smith secured a P5 finish, marking his second top-five result in the Cup Series. The significance of this achievement is multifaceted.
- Not only did it affirm Smith’s talent and potential, but it also served as a testament to his resilience.
- Many drivers would have faltered after a speeding penalty, but Smith stayed focused and capitalized on the opportunities presented during the race.
- His finish was a triumph of persistence and strategy, proving that he can perform at a high level even when things don’t go perfectly.
McCall Smith’s Public Support: A Family’s Role in Racing
Beyond the racetrack, Zane Smith has an unwavering support system in his wife, McCall Smith.2
After his top-five finish at Watkins Glen, McCall took to social media to express her pride and admiration for her husband’s efforts. On her X (formerly Twitter) handle, she wrote:
“P5!!! Great weekend for Zane and his 71 team. Overcame a speeding penalty, didn’t give up and drove up through the field. So proud. 🩵”
In motorsports, the role of family support is often understated but crucial. Racing can be a mentally and physically grueling career, with long stretches of time away from home and intense pressures both on and off the track.
Having a supportive partner like McCall is invaluable for drivers like Zane, as it helps them maintain focus and resilience, knowing they have someone in their corner, no matter the outcome.
This public support also serves to humanize drivers like Smith. In a sport where the focus is often solely on performance, seeing the personal side of these athletes—like McCall’s proud post—reminds fans that there is more to these racers than just what happens on the track.
A Glance Back: Zane Smith’s 2021 Truck Series Run at Watkins Glen
Zane Smith’s history at Watkins Glen isn’t limited to his Cup Series efforts. In 2021, Smith competed at The Glen in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the #21 Chevy for GMS Racing. That year, he managed to secure a P6 finish after starting from P8.
While his Truck Series performance was solid, it didn’t foreshadow the kind of breakthrough finish he would achieve in the Cup Series three years later.
The progression from a respectable Truck Series result to a top-five finish in the Cup Series shows just how far Smith has come in a short time. His ability to adapt to the vastly different dynamics of the Cup Series, where the cars are more powerful and the competition even fiercer, is a testament to his growth as a driver.
Watkins Glen, a road course notorious for challenging drivers with its high-speed turns and elevation changes, seems to be a track where Smith is especially comfortable. His performances there may make him a future contender on road courses in the Cup Series.
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Zane Smith: Trackhouse Racing’s Decision to Part Ways
While Zane Smith has shown great potential, the business side of motorsports can often lead to surprising developments.3
Trackhouse Racing, a team that has made waves in the Cup Series with its innovative approach, announced that Smith would not be part of their 2025 lineup.
The decision came as a surprise to some, considering Smith’s rising stock. However, team dynamics, sponsorship deals, and long-term strategy often play a significant role in such decisions.
For Smith, this parting of ways might just be a blessing in disguise. The announcement leaves him open to explore other opportunities, and with his growing reputation, he is likely to attract interest from other teams.
In a highly competitive environment like NASCAR, being a free agent with recent strong performances can sometimes lead to even better prospects.
The Potential of a Future with Kaulig Racing
- One of the key speculations surrounding Zane Smith’s future is the possibility of joining Kaulig Racing. Kaulig Racing has been steadily making its presence felt in the Cup Series, and there may be an open seat in the #16 car for the 2025 season.
- While nothing is confirmed, FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass mentioned that Smith could be a potential fit for the team.
- Joining Kaulig Racing would present an exciting opportunity for Smith. The team is known for its ambitious approach and has become increasingly competitive in the Cup Series.
- Securing a seat with them could provide Smith with the resources and support he needs to not only continue his development but potentially compete for wins. The #16 car could be a great fit for Smith’s skill set, especially as Kaulig has shown it is willing to invest in up-and-coming talent.
- As the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season progresses, Zane Smith finds himself at a crossroads. His impressive performance at Watkins Glen serves as a reminder that he has the skills to compete with the best in the sport, even if he’s not yet in the playoff mix.
- The coming months will be critical for his career, as he navigates the uncertainty of his team situation and looks for new opportunities in the 2025 season.
- With teams like Kaulig Racing potentially interested and Smith continuing to deliver strong performances, the future looks bright.
- Whether he secures a full-time ride with a competitive team or continues to work his way through part-time opportunities, Zane Smith is a name to watch in the coming years.
Zane Smith vs. Michael McDowell: A Rivalry Takes Shape
After the conclusion of the Go Bowling! at Watkins Glen, a race known for its challenging road course, a heated exchange took place between Zane Smith and his upcoming replacement, Michael McDowell.
The two drivers, both skilled in their craft, found themselves at odds over an incident that occurred in the race’s overtime finish.
The confrontation not only added to the post-race drama but also hinted at the growing tension between the pair, as McDowell is set to take over Smith’s #71 car next season. This clash marked the first public spat between the drivers, igniting a rivalry that could define their racing relationship moving forward.
The Incident on the White Flag Lap
The conflict that spurred the post-race altercation occurred during the final moments of the race. As the drivers approached the white flag, signaling the last lap, both were battling fiercely for a coveted top-five position.
Smith, racing in the #71 car, aggressively pushed McDowell’s #34 Ford Mustang wide on the track, seizing the opportunity to pass him on the inside. McDowell, in response, wasn’t about to let this move go unanswered.
McDowell retaliated by narrowing Smith’s line as they entered Turn 1, forcing a difficult path through the esses—a set of winding turns that challenge even the most seasoned drivers.
McDowell’s move was an attempt to regain position, but it ultimately caused both drivers to lose valuable time, allowing others to catch up and impacting their final results.
Zane Smith: Anniversary
Zane Smith shared some glimpses from the 8th marriage anniversary dinner date with his wife, on his official instagram account.
View this post on Instagram
A Battle for the Top Five
For Zane Smith, the move was strategic, aimed at securing a top-five finish at one of the most prestigious road courses in the NASCAR circuit.
Smith’s aggressive driving was not out of character; it was a calculated risk that paid off, as he eventually crossed the finish line in fifth place.
For McDowell, however, the race did not end as successfully. Having been in contention for what could have been his first top-five finish at Watkins Glen, McDowell’s hopes were dashed when the overtime skirmish dropped him to seventh place by the final circuit.
The lost positions were a bitter pill to swallow for McDowell, who had been running strong throughout the race and was aiming to finish on a high note before his eventual transition to Smith’s car.
The frustration was palpable, and it set the stage for the post-race confrontation that followed.
