Countdown to Daytona 2026 - 28 Days

By Adam Carabine

Counting down the final 30 days to the 2026 Daytona 500, we are looking at last year's Top 30 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Today's driver: Zane Smith

Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images

No. 38 Car – Front Row Motorsports

2025 Stats

Standings	28th
Wins	0
Points	615
Stage Points	39
Stage Wins	0
Laps Led	22
Lead Lap Finishes	24
Average Finish	21.1
DNFs	5
Races since last win	N/A

What Does Success Look Like in 2026?

While most of the publicity of the anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR was centered around 23XI drivers (likely because Michael Jordan is kind of a big deal), Front Row Motorsports was involved in that too.  For the FRM drivers, including Zane Smith, it’ll be good to just get back to business.  They showed some inconsistent speed throughout 2025, but if they can capitalize on their gains from last year, Smith might be able to challenge for the Top 25 in points.

Best-Case Scenario in 2026?

Smith could be a contender for a win at a few different types of tracks.  Obviously anyone could win a drafting race, but he also has a great average finish at Michigan, and his best finish came at Bristol last season (P3).  I’m sure he’d like to get his first Cup Series victory, but the question will likely come down to quality of equipment for Smith this year.

Most Likely Outcome in 2026?

With 5 Top 10s and 1 Top 5 last season, I think it’s realistic to think that Zane Smith either continues that trend or slightly elevates it.  I’m not expecting fireworks from the 38 team, but it’s likely that he’s a solid mid-pack driver for the bulk of the season.

Bold Prediction?

Zane Smith was a one-time dominant driver in the Truck Series, winning the championship in 2022.  While I don’t see him emerging as a title contender this year, he’s certainly got skills as a driver, and if his equipment comes in clutch for him, we could see him with a win or two.