It seems like Zane Smith has plenty to look forward to. With 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports being granted a preliminary injunction, the 25-year-old racer can feel confident that his future in the Cup Series might be assured. Even though Bob Jenkins’ team has not announced a driver for their third team, the California native has been heavily linked to the seat, with reliable reports suggesting that he remains the most likely candidate to take over.

Lady luck seems to be on Smith’s side. Despite a lackluster season with Spire Motorsports, the racer will be given yet another opportunity to salvage his career at NASCAR’s highest level. Will he take the opportunity this time around? Time will tell.

Court’s verdict brightens up Smith’s Cup Series prospects

Despite making the odd appearance, Zane Smith didn’t get a real opportunity in the Cup Series until 2024. Having made a name for himself in the Truck Series by winning the championship in 2022, it was only a matter of time before a team took a gamble on him at the highest level and that’s exactly what happened. On loan from Trackhouse Racing, Spire Motorsports gave him the keys to the No. 71 Chevy for a full season, but the results left much to be desired. In the 36 races he competed in, Smith secured just two top-five and four top-ten results, leading just six laps throughout the year. A 30th-place finish wasn’t exactly what the team expected from him, and five early retirements just added insult to injury.

However, it seems like Zane Smith will be handed another lifeline. With Front Row Motorsports’ charter sale being approved for 2025, the racer has yet another chance to make his mark in the Cup Series. Sharing his thoughts about the situation, FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass said, “Today’s ruling is particularly good news for SHR as well as Zane Smith. It should allow for the sales to go through and for FRM to continue to go ahead with plans for its third car (with the expectation it would be for Zane Smith). … TBD if NASCAR appeals the ruling.”

In the last few months, Front Row Motorsports has received mixed messages from the NASCAR hierarchy regarding their newly purchased charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. According to the filing submitted by the plaintiffs, FRM general manager Jerry Freeze said that he was told by NASCAR president Steve Phelps that the charter sale was approved, only to be told later that it was contingent on the lawsuit being dropped. However, the court’s latest ruling leaves no doubt in the matter anymore, even though NASCAR could appeal the preliminary injunction verdict.

Zane Smith has a good relationship with Front Row Motorsports. Going by his history with the team, it’s not surprising that FRM is willing to take the gamble on the 25-year-old, who will look to turn his reputation around with stellar performances in his sophomore year.

Zane Smith is fighting for his Cup Series future

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It hasn’t been an easy year for Zane Smith. Even though the California native can take plenty of positives from his rookie season, after finishing runner-up at Nashville Superspeedway and fifth at Watkins Glen, consistency issues have cost him a seat. The driver has finished 25th or lower on 16 different instances and ended the year with his worst-ever result at Phoenix Raceway, finishing 39th. Despite being promised a seat by Trackhouse Racing for 2025, the offer was withdrawn because of Smith’s results, with the team opting to go for Shane van Gisbergen instead.

After being released from Trackhouse Racing following the 2024 season, Smith said, “Obviously, I am disappointed that I’ve been put in a tough spot. I am diligently exploring quality driving opportunities and hope to quickly wrap up my plans for next year. … 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.”

Even though the circumstances have been far from ideal, Smith isn’t giving up on his NASCAR dream without a fight. Reflecting on the season that has gone by, the driver said, “It’s been an absolutely brutal couple of months but I’m fighting through it; nothing really new in my career. I’m not a guy to want anyone to feel sorry for me, by any means. It’s just been tough, but I’ll never give up, and it’s hard to beat someone that never gives up.”

If Zane Smith’s move to Front Row Motorsports materializes, it will seem like somewhat of a swap deal, as Michael McDowell has already moved the other way and will be taking over the No. 71 Chevy next year. Meanwhile, Bob Pockrass remains bullish about the chances of Smith going to his former side, especially now that the charter sale is approved. The journalist had previously written on X, “FRM has indicated it would field three open cars next year if it comes down to it …. obviously, though, that would impact budgets … but Zane Smith still expected to be in a third FRM car next year as long as there is a third car.” The show of confidence from Bob Jenkins might be exactly what the racer needs to hit the ground running next year. However, time will tell if he can develop into a championship contender at NASCAR’s highest level.

Do you think Zane Smith deserves another shot in the NASCAR Cup Series? Let us know in the comments!