Does Chandler Smith Have a Long-Term Future With Ford?

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What’s Happening?

Despite a solid career in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck and Xfinity Series, Chandler Smith has not had a chance to get his wheels under him to make a run for the Cup Series. However, his recent signing with a Ford team might be the opening he was looking for.

Smith’s Dominance on Track and Struggles off Track in 2024

Entering the 2024 season with Joe Gibbs Racing, Chandler Smith was far from an underdog. Though he struggled in his first Xfinity Series season with Kaulig Racing, the multi-time Truck Series winner and 2021 Snowball Derby Champion was returning to the Toyota camp.

Smith proved himself to be a great signing for JGR and Toyota, winning early on in the season. Despite coming up short in the Playoffs, Smith dominated the series statistically in 2025. In the 2024 Xfinity Series season, Smith was third in top-tens and laps led, and led all drivers in top-fives and average finishing position.

While things were great on track, early rumors suggested that Smith did not have the financial support to make it to the Cup Series or even return to JGR in 2025.

Smith confirmed these rumors at Homestead, telling Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, “I don’t have a ride next year, Bob [Pockrass]. I could be working for my dad’s construction business, and I could be hanging it up at the end of this year,” said Smith.

While this seemed dramatic, Smith later confirmed that working for his dad in 2025 was a realistic option. However, Ford team Front Row Motorsports stepped up and signed him to drive for their Truck Series operation full-time in 2025.

While this is a step-down and his third manufacturer and team in as many years, Ford presents Smith with an opportunity that he has yet to have at Chevrolet and Toyota.

How Does Smith Fit Into the Mix at Ford?

Unlike its Chevrolet and Toyota counterparts, Ford does not have a decorated lineup of lower series drivers.

In the Truck and Xfinity Series, the only experienced young prospects they had prior to FRM signing Smith in December were Sheldon Creed, a former Toyota driver, and Sam Mayer, a former Chevrolet driver.

While both drivers are top-tier and getting better as they begin their careers at Ford with the Haas Factory Team in 2025, they are not as highly touted as Chevrolet’s Conor Zilisch or Toyota’s Corey Heim.

However, with the addition of Smith, Ford teams now have three extremely experienced drivers younger than 26. In particular, Mayer and Smith, who are both younger than 23, have a combined ten wins in the Xfinity Series.

So, what can Chandler do at Ford?

How Can Smith Make the Most of His 2025?

While they would have competition for a spot in the Cup Series between Creed and Mayer, Smith has experience in the Cup Series that they don’t. He made three starts with Kaulig in 2023, scoring a best finish of 11th at Talladega, and is attempting the 2025 Daytona 500 this year with Ford team Garage 66.

If Smith performs well at Daytona and this season in the Truck Series, which prospects like Carson Hocevar have jumped to the Cup from, this good impression on Ford could land him something in the top Series of NASCAR.

A notable issue here is that his current team, FRM, and other Ford teams are packed with long-time veterans and young drivers on long-term deals. However, aging drivers, such as Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, and Ryan Preece, will have to retire at some point.

While it would be a long road for Smith, if he starts with a good impression in 2025, this could be the route for the talented young driver to land a Cup Series ride one day.

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