Folks, NASCAR recently celebrated the “Women at NASCAR” in March. While it paid respect to all female influences on the sport, like Danica Patrick and Patty Moise, there is a group of women who contribute to the sport without much limelight. The world of WAGs—wives and girlfriends of drivers—isn’t just about glitz and garage selfies. Take Samantha Busch, who’s been by Kyle Busch’s side through wins, crashes, and fertility struggles. Or Jordan Fish, 18-year-long partner of Denny Hamlin, who was a constant presence during his early career rise, often helping with media and appearances while raising their two daughters. But for a driver who is new to the Cup Series, that support goes a long way!

A similar incident happened with the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion. After Darlington, McCall Smith, wife of Zane Smith, took to Twitter to celebrate a gritty comeback drive, one that went deeper than the 12th-place finish that he had secured.

McCall Smith stands tall behind Zane Smith

Zane Smith has shown resilience in his sophomore NASCAR Cup Series season with Front Row Motorsports. Despite a challenging start, Smith has consistently improved, leveraging his experience from the 2022 Truck Series championship. His return to Front Row Motorsports has been marked by a renewed focus on building a strong foundation for future success.

At the 2025 Darlington race, Zane Smith demonstrated his grit with a notable comeback drive. After qualifying 16th, he navigated through the field to secure 9th place at the end of Stage 1. He followed this up by finishing the race in a respectable 12th position. This performance highlighted his ability to adapt under pressure, a trait that has defined his career since winning the Truck Series title. But he had some interesting revelations to make today.

“It’s just really hard to fight back from that,” Smith said, emphasizing on the time he was sent to 20th place after the caution when Brad Keselowski almost lost his tire to a loose lug nut. He further added, “Fortunately, I was able to. The pit crew did a great job today. We were just able to kind of chip at it all day and find ourselves in the top 15.” But his wife was much more proud and excited about the team’s run.

McCall Smith took to X to express her pride in the team’s progress, noting that a 12th-place finish this year reflects significant improvement compared to celebrating top-15 finishes the previous year. “So dang proud of Zane & the 38 team so far this year,” she gleamed with happiness. This support system has been vital for Zane as he navigates the challenges of the Cup Series. But how did the relationship reach so far?

The couple first met as teenagers, began dating in 2018, and got engaged during a Craftsman Truck Series race weekend in April 2022. Their bond culminated in a beautiful wedding on January 11, 2024, in Charleston, South Carolina. McCall has been a constant presence at Zane’s races, cheering him on from the sidelines while also sharing glimpses of their life off-track.

Smith’s Goodyear 400 run was more than just a finish; it was a testament to his team’s strategic efforts. With Ryan Bergenty as his crew chief, Smith has benefited from tactical decisions that have helped him stay competitive. Despite not having a top-10 finish at Darlington, Smith’s consistency has been a positive note in his 2025 campaign.

As the season progresses, Smith will look to build on his Darlington performance. While a 12th-place finish may not have turned everyone’s heads, it symbolized grit, progress, and untapped potential. As McCall put it best, “Just gotta keep pushing!” And it seems this team is doing exactly that. But, FRM looks like a firmer team now. They are running races with underdogs who are performing!

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FRM is gearing up championship contenders

Front Row Motorsports is making significant strides in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. With a three-car lineup featuring Noah Gragson, Todd Gilliland, and Zane Smith, FRM aims to solidify its position as a competitive force. The team’s expansion includes a third charter, signaling their ambition to become a playoff contender.

FRM’s strategy focuses on leveraging technical alliances and nurturing young talent. Gragson, joining from Stewart-Haas Racing, brings valuable experience and consistency, while Gilliland and Smith offer speed and potential for growth. The team’s emphasis on speed has been evident, particularly at super speedways, where they have frequently secured pole positions.

In the early stages of the 2025 season, FRM has shown glimpses of its potential. Despite not yet securing a top-five finish, the team has managed to keep its cars competitive, with Gilliland leading laps and Smith improving his consistency. The addition of Gragson is expected to further enhance their performance, as he has started to consistently race up front.

FRM’s development is also supported by its strong Craftsman Truck Series program, which has produced champions like Zane Smith. This foundation in the lower series helps build a pipeline of talent and expertise that can be leveraged in the Cup Series. As the season progresses, FRM faces the challenge of sustaining consistency and competing with top-tier teams. However, with their expanded lineup and strategic focus, they are well-positioned to make a significant impact in the NASCAR landscape.

Can FRM’s underdog story culminate in a playoff appearance in 2025?