What’s Happening

In one of the most shocking moves of NASCAR Silly Season, free agent Chandler Smith is heading down to the truck series to race for Front Row Motorsports. Smith was perhaps the best free agent still available.

• It is unknown what number Smith will have next season however, this move confirms that FRM will expand next season. Layne Riggs, driver of the team’s flagship No. 38 truck, appears to be returning for next season.
• Last season, Smith had a championship-caliber season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Joe Gibbs Racing. Despite falling short in the playoffs, Smith was one of the most shocking free agents of the 2025 NASCAR season.
• Smith confirmed that he would not return to JGR in a post-interview with Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports on Oct. 26 at Homestead. However, on Dec. 6, at the Snowball Derby, Smith confirmed to Matt Weaver of Sportsnaut that he has a ride for 2025.

While this move is confusing, rumors have surrounded Smith all season long that he does not have the money for a top ride next season. Some rumors tied him to FRM’s cup expansion and RCR’s part-time cup car, but Smith is unexpectedly heading to FRM’s Truck Series team.

FRM has continued to grow at the Cup Series level in the past few years. In doing so, it also forged one of the best Truck Series programs, developing talents like Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith, and Layne Riggs. This signing gives FRM room to expand its Truck team with a solid driver behind the wheel.

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