What’s Happening?

Following their acquisition of a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing, Front Row Motorsports has finally announced the final driver of their 2025 NASCAR Cup Series lineup. Zane Smith, a former FRM prospect, will drive the No. 38 next season as Todd Gilliland moves to the No. 34.

• This signing has been a rumor for a long time. However, as part of a recent ruling in 23XI Racing and FRM’s lawsuit against NASCAR, the team can finally make it official. Rumors that Smith would drive this expanded third car first surfaced following Smith’s release from Trackhouse Racing in August.
• Smith was FRM‘s top Truck Series prospect from 2022 to 2023, winning the series championship in 2022. But after part-time starts in the Cup Series in 2023, Smith walked away from FRM. He signed with Trackhouse Racing Racing for a full-time Cup Series schedule with Spire Motorsports in 2024.
• Smith struggled with Spire early on in 2024; however, he continued to gain as the season went on. Unfortunately, Trackhouse announced they and Smith would part ways in August, opting for Shane Van Gisbergen to drive their third Cup Series car this coming season. Though, Smith would finish the year out at Spire.
• FRM announced the purchase of this Charter early last season. However, their ongoing antitrust lawsuit with NASCAR put them at risk of losing their Charters. A judge ruled on Dec. 18 that the teams will get their Charter, with the team confirming this acquisition on Dec. 31.
• Smith claims to have signed this multi-year deal on Christmas Eve following the Dec. 18 ruling. Of course, the signing tramples rumors that bad blood with Ford following his departure in 2023 could keep him out of the car.

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