For Zane Smith, 2024 was a year of highs and lows. It began on a high note with his wedding in January to his longtime sweetheart McCall, but as the NASCAR season progressed, uncertainty began to cloud his future. By the end of the year, Smith faced a daunting challenge. He was left without a confirmed seat for the 2025 Cup Series season. Yet, in true racing fashion, Smith has made a comeback. To celebrate securing his next ride at Front Row Motorsports and their anniversary, he whisked his wife away to a tropical paradise, combining a well-earned break with some joyful milestones.

Zane and McCall’s social media updates hinted at their exotic destination and a sense of relief after a whirlwind year. But how did Smith bounce back from the brink of free agency, and what’s next for this talented driver?

Celebrating love and new beginnings in St. Barts

With the stress of securing his 2025 seat behind him, Zane Smith and his wife McCall took the opportunity to celebrate their anniversary in style. The couple jetted off to St. Barts, a stunning Caribbean island known for its idyllic beaches and luxurious ambiance. McCall shared glimpses of their trip on Instagram, treating followers to breathtaking sunsets, a table adorned with champagne and pineapple fruitcake, and the relaxing atmosphere of their tropical retreat.

To commemorate one year of their marriage, Smith posted on his Instagram story, “1 year wedding anniversary today. Love you @mccallkelli”.

Meanwhile, wife McCall’s Instagram stories documented their journey, starting with a travel-day adventure that ended with a sigh of relief. “After a long, eventful travel day… WE MADE IT,” she captioned one post. The following story featured a golden sunset view over the sea, paired with McCall’s comment, “Worth it,” as she soaked in a hot tub.

The couple’s relationship has been a steady anchor for Smith through the highs and lows of his career. They first met in their teenage years, got engaged in April 2022, and tied the knot in Charleston, South Carolina, in January 2024. Their bond has been a source of strength, with McCall frequently sharing her support for Zane’s racing journey on social media.

Their anniversary trip dubbed a “delayed honeymoon,” included stops at Shellona, a private beach restaurant on Shell Beach, where they enjoyed fine dining with a view of the turquoise waters. Smith even humorously appeared in one of McCall’s stories, swimming with black shades on. “Mermaid in the wild,” she playfully captioned the photo. Nevertheless, he will be happy to engage in a refreshing vacation after a tumultuous year on the track.

From Uncertainty to Stability: Zane Smith Returns to Front Row Motorsports

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Back on the racing front, Zane Smith’s road to his 2025 NASCAR seat was anything but smooth. After joining Trackhouse Racing in 2024 as a highly anticipated rookie, Smith faced an unfortunate surprise when the team decided to release him at the end of the season. Trackhouse made room for Shane van Gisbergen, leaving Smith searching for a new opportunity. It was a tough pill to swallow for the 25-year-old, especially after an impressive rookie season with Spire Motorsports that saw him secure two top-5 finishes and four top-10s.

Luckily, an old partnership came calling. Smith reconnected with Front Row Motorsports (FRM), the team that had launched his Truck Series career. FRM announced they had signed Smith to a multiyear deal to pilot the No. 38 Ford Mustang for the 2025 Cup Series. This marks a full-circle moment for Smith, who won the 2022 Craftsman Truck Series championship with FRM and earned seven Cup starts with the team during his tenure.

“I’ve always felt at home with Front Row Motorsports,” Smith told NASCAR.com. “They believed in me when I signed with them to race in the Truck Series in 2022, and we shared so much success together. Winning six races and a championship was a highlight of my career, and I’m thrilled to be back where I know I can win.”

Team owner Bob Jenkins echoed Smith’s enthusiasm, stating, “Zane brought us our first championship, and we believe he can win in the Cup Series too. He’s a talented driver with a bright future.”

Smith’s return to FRM pairs him with young drivers Todd Gilliland and Noah Gragson, forming a formidable lineup of emerging talent. With FRM securing a third charter, they’ve created a space for Smith to thrive, allowing him to refocus and prepare for the upcoming season.

Looking ahead to 2025, Zane Smith’s first race with FRM is set for the Clash on February 2 at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, followed by the season-opening Daytona 500 on February 16. Smith takes over the No. 38 car previously driven by Michael McDowell, who will now drive for Spire Motorsports. As Smith gears up for his 37-race schedule, the challenges of 2024 seem like a distant memory.

Smith is ready to prove his worth in NASCAR’s top tier and build on his legacy with a team that believes in his potential. “Front Row has taken their Cup program to another level, and I couldn’t think of better teammates than Todd and Noah,” Smith said. “We all have a lot to prove as young drivers, and I’m excited to continue building my career with FRM.”

For now, though, Smith is savoring some downtime in paradise with McCall—a well-deserved moment of celebration after a turbulent year.