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As more NASCAR Xfinity Series teams fill out their 2025 rosters, one name has notably remained stagnant. The current Xfinity Series points leader, Chandler Smith, still has no announced plans for next season. So, why haven’t we heard anything about Chandler Smith?
Chandler Smith’s NASCAR career stacks up well against almost any other driver at the Xfinity Series level.
Smith exploded into the NASCAR scene in 2018 with a two-win ARCA Menards Series campaign. He followed up this season with part-time ARCA and Truck Series, which starts in 2019 and ends in 2020. In those two seasons, Smith had eight top-fives in 16 Truck Series starts and seven ARCA wins in 24 starts.
The young driver appeared to be taking the typical route of a TRD driver. Smith started in ARCA with Venturini Motorsports and moved to the Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports. He went full-time with KBM in 2021 and 2022 and went on to win five races in those two seasons, including an 8.7 average finish in 2022.
However, in a shock move, Smith moved to Kaulig Racing in 2023. This move had benefits for Smith, who entered three races for their Cup Series team in 2023. However, Smith’s Truck Series stats did not transfer to Xfinity, with Smith winning one race and scoring just eight top-fives. While this wasn’t necessarily a bad first season at this level, Smith and Kaulig parted ways prior to 2024.
The next move would seem to be regressive rather than progressive toward Smith’s career. However, it may have been the right move.
This season, Smith returned to TRD with Joe Gibbs Racing in the No. 81. Notably, Smith would not have any Cup Series starts throughout the season, leaving his focus on Xfinity.
Moving back to TRD, while it took him further from Cup competition, has paid off for Smith. For a large portion of the season, Smith has either led or been in the top three in Xfinity Series Points. With two race wins and an all-around statistical improvement, many thought Smith might be ready for the Cup.
Unfortunately, most Cup Series rides are full for 2025. While 23XI Racing has an agreement to purchase the final Stewart-Haas Racing Charter, most expect Riley Herbst and sponsor Monster Energy to take that ride.
This new car was the only Toyota supposedly open for next season. Furthermore, as far as Smith is concerned, there is little in the rumor mill about him. While some suggested that he could get to FRM’s third car, most expect Zane Smith to drive that car in 2025.
@brakehard WHO GETS THE REMAINING SEATS IN NASCAR CUP SERIES SILLY SEASON? #nascar #racing #motorsport ♬ original sound – brakehard
A Tiktok from Brakehard on Sept. 29 may have revealed the hold-up on Smith’s plans. Sponsorship has long been a major problem for drivers attempting to take the next step, and perhaps Chandler is dealing with this problem now.
While that doesn’t mean he won’t return to JGR’s Xfinity Series team next year, as TRD has poured lots of time and energy into his career, it looks like this lack of backing could be the hold-up for Smith’s future. While he is skilled, his sponsorship has been a major factor in his journey through NASCAR’s developmental system.
Whether this is a long-term hold-up or not, Smith has the skill to take the next step in his career. Chandler is still young and shouldn’t worry. Some drivers, like Josh Berry, have proven in the past that skill is still more important than sponsor dollars.
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