Chandler Smith Scores NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Ride

What’s Happening?

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series regular Chandler Smith will return to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series this weekend and next weekend, driving the No. 5 Ford for Hettinger Racing.

• These two races, at Phoenix and Las Vegas, mark Smith’s first starts in the series since late 2024. The 23-year-old last raced in the OAP Series full-time with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2024, where he pieced together a championship season, but fell short of making the Round of Four.
• After leaving JGR, Smith has secured a spot as the second truck in Front Row Motorsports’ two-truck effort in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. This year, Smith currently leads the series points through three races, with one win, two top-fives, and three top-tens.
• Hettinger finds itself in a position opposite that of Smith. The long-time grassroots racing team launched its NASCAR OAP Series effort this season with help from Ford. Racing part-time drivers through three races, the team has a best finish of 20th, and missed the field for this past weekend’s race at COTA.  
• With Hettinger trying to find its footing in the series, the team may have stumbled on a driver that could be a lifesaver early on this season. In his combined nine starts at Phoenix across the Truck and OAP Series, Smith has two wins, seven top-fives, and nine top-tens.

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