Trackhouse Racing has finally added a third charter to its Cup Series team. Given the number of drivers signed to the team, a third entry for Justin Marks and Co. was inevitable. However, this fresh development has led to big changes in the team’s driver line-up. Shane van Gisbergen received a boost when he was announced as the new driver to lead Team No. 88 in 2025. At the same time, Zane Smith, who had signed a multi-year contract last year, had to see the exit door.

It’s a hard blow to the young driver, who didn’t even have a genuine shot to prove his worth to the team. Instead, he was offloaded to Spire Motorsports, where he was handed a short stick leading a relatively new team #71 for 2024. But all hopes aren’t lost for Zane Smith just yet, as Denny Hamlin and 23XI Racing could come to his rescue. Provided they come true for their expansion plans.

Zane Smith to 23XI Racing could be on the cards

Usually, Hamlin tries to keep himself away from the business dealing methods of other teams. However, in this case, Zane Smith and the veteran driver share a good bond. Hamlin himself confessed he gives Smith advice from time to time. Interestingly, the JGR driver even mentioned that Smith ditched splendid opportunities last year to stick with Trackhouse Racing.

Now, that decision hasn’t turned out well for the former Truck Series champ. But despite the recent setbacks and subpar showings from the Trackhouse driver, Hamlin believes he has yet to showcase his true potential. “I think you have not seen the best of Zane Smith yet.” He even claimed he would find an excellent opportunity in the Cup Series, despite the odds stacked against him.

Well, as it turns out, 23XI Racing and Denny Hamlin could afford the young driver a second chance to prove his worth at the highest level. Since SHR charters were up for grabs, 23XI Racing was touted as the prime contender to expand their current setup of two-car teams to three in 2025. But for some reason, they have been late to the party, and now there’s just one charter available on the market.

Front Row Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing added a third charter to their teams. Meanwhile, Gene Haas retained one, for himself, for his new racing entity, Haas Factory Team. According to reports by Sports Business Journal, the current valuation of the charters is around $25-30 million. If Hamlin and Michael Jordan are willing to break the bank, Zane Smith could stay afloat at the Cup level.

Although Trackhouse’s decision to ditch Smith in favor of SVG has raised some eyebrows, they might have made the right choice.

Shane van Gisbergen is good for Trackhouse Racing’s brand image

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Given the amount of road course races increasing on the Cup Series schedule, SVG and Trackhosue Racing can certainly leverage this opportunity. Having kick-started his NASCAR career with a historic win at the Chicago Street race, the Kiwi speedster has gone on to dominate the road course in the Xfinity Series.

Driving the No. 97 car for Kaulig Racing, SVG has clinched three race wins to his name. This is the most by any driver this season – all three have come on the road courses. So Trackhouse Racing is banking on SVG’s prowess to secure a playoff spot, which does make sense. Especially, given how their two star drivers have struggled to find their rhythm in 2024.

Moreover, SVG has quickly become one of the popular figures in NASCAR in such a short period. Given how THR has handled its business, the driver’s profile will only rise after this promotion to the Cup Series. More eyeballs on the driver and team also equals more sponsorship, which is essential for a team’s survival.

It will be fascinating to see how this ambitious plan turns out next year. This is an enormous opportunity for SVG and Trackhouse Racing to cement their spot as a competitive team in the sport.