Rumor Mill: Top Truck Series Driver Headed to RCR?

What’s Happening?

NASCAR’s Silly Season is often a revolving door of drivers, with promotions and demotions causing a chain reaction throughout the garage area.

Last year, this chain reaction was seen through Spire Motorsports, JR Motorsports, and Trackhouse Racing. When Trackhouse moved on from Daniel Suarez, they promoted Connor Zilisch, opening the door for Rajah Caruth in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

So far this year, this chain has yet to kick off, though there are already open seats in the NASCAR OAP Series.

First, there is Jesse Love’s No. 2, with the 2025 OAP Series champion headed for Cup Series action with Wood Brothers Racing. Second is a still-to-be-confirmed seat in the same shop, No. 21, as Austin Hill is a leading candidate to take over the No. 33 (formerly the No. 8) full-time in 2027.

Though only one spot is officially open, there are already rumors circulating about who could take over each one, with these rumors picking up the pace this week and a surprising new name joining the list of potential candidates.

What’s The Rumor?

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In a recent social media post, a well-known NASCAR rumor account shared what they had heard was the latest in Richard Childress Racing’s OAP Series garage.

“As has been said by several, all signs currently point to Austin Hill remaining in the 33 next year. I’ve also heard Carson Brown is expected to move up to RCR’s O’Reilly program (he’s driving at a test for them this week), as well as…Chandler Smith?”

The first name they pointed to, RCR prospect Carson Brown, is no surprise; the second, current Front Row Motorsports driver Chandler Smith, might be more of a shock to fans.

Smith is a well-established name in both the Truck and OAP Series, racing with Kaulig Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, and, as of the past two seasons, Front Row Motorsports.

Prior to his return to the Truck Series last season with FRM, Smith pieced together a stellar 2024 OAP Series campaign with JGR, winning two races, scoring the best average finish among full-time drivers, but falling short of the championship.

The Georgia native has not missed a beat since joining FRM’s Truck Series program, winning two races last season, the season opener this year, and currently sitting third in points.

Does Smith to RCR Make Sense?

While there are already enough clues to suggest that Brown is heading to the OAP Series next season (read the story linked below for more on that), Smith is an interesting option for the team.

The 24-year-old has bounced around for a couple of years now, almost breaking through to the Cup Series with Kaulig a few seasons ago. While most have never doubted his ability, the pieces have yet to fall into place for Smith to find a long-term home.

Given sponsorship from brands like QuickTie, which has sponsored him across all three National Series, if Hill were to move to the Cup Series in 2027, Smith could be a solid option for a veteran presence to pair with a prospect like Brown.

Still, there is no confirmation that Smith is headed anywhere in 2027, as some rumors have suggested he could go to the Cup Series next season, as FRM has yet to flesh out its roster for the new year.

Even then, this rumor hinges on the idea that Hill gets promoted to full-time, something that is yet to be confirmed by RCR.

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