NASCAR: Trackhouse Racing Driver Laments ‘Tough’ Position As Exit Looms
As the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season progresses, Zane Smith faces the reality of his impending departure from Trackhouse Racing. Despite a challenging season, Smith remains committed to his racing career, actively seeking new opportunities for 2025.
Whilst speaking to the media at Daytona International Speedway, Smith commented, as quoted by Motorsport:
“Obviously, I am disappointed that I’ve been put in a tough spot,” said Smith in a release on Saturday.
“I am diligently exploring quality driving opportunities and hope to quickly wrap up my plans for next year.
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“Meanwhile, kudos to our No. 71 Cup team. We’ve turned our year around this summer with six top-20 finishes in the last ten races, which includes a top-10 last weekend and a runner-up finish in Nashville.
“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. Thank you to everyone that has and continues to stand behind me.”
Trackhouse Racing’s lineup evolves with other drivers like Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez under contract. They will soon be joined by Shane van Gisbergen, who transitions from the NASCAR Xfinity Series after a successful career in Supercars.
The decision for Smith to part ways with Trackhouse was mutual, although it comes at a time when he has just bypassed the Xfinity Series to debut in his first full-time Cup season.
Speculation about Smith’s next steps is rife with potential opportunities at teams like 23XI Racing, RFK Racing, and notably Front Row Motorsports, which could expand its lineup.
NASCAR Cup Series: Current Standings
(As of the time of writing ahead of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway)
- Tyler Reddick – 814 points
- Chase Elliott – 804 points
- Kyle Larson – 782 points
- Ryan Blaney – 732 points
- William Byron – 728 points
- Denny Hamlin – 711 points
- Christopher Bell – 703 points
- Martin Truex Jr – 682 points
- Brad Keselowski – 677 points
- Ty Gibbs – 644 points
- Alex Bowman – 627 points
- Chris Buescher – 621 points
- Ross Chastain – 606 points
- Bubba Wallace – 605 points
- Joey Logano – 561 points
- Daniel Suárez – 526 points
- Kyle Busch – 513 points
- Chase Briscoe – 491 points
- Austin Cindric – 460 points
- Todd Gilliland – 455 points
- Michael McDowell – 449 points
- Carson Hocevar – 441 points
- Josh Berry – 427 points
- Noah Gragson – 425 points
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr – 400 points
- Ryan Preece – 367 points
- Erik Jones – 361 points
- Justin Haley – 346 points
- Austin Dillon – 345 points
- Daniel Hemric – 337 points
- Corey LaJoie – 332 points
- John H. Nemechek – 321 points
- Zane Smith – 292 points
- Harrison Burton – 266 points
- Kaz Grala – 166 points
- Cody Ware – 65 points
- Joey Hand – 43 points
- Jimmie Johnson – 39 points
- Derek Kraus – 32 points
- David Ragan – 17 points
- Kamui Kobayashi – 8 points
- Will Brown – 6 points
- Cam Waters – 2 points
