NASCAR Rumor: Despite Lawsuit Drama, FRM Set to Revive Out of Favor Cup Rookie’s Career
Front Row Motorsports (FRM) finds itself in an eerily similar situation to 23XI Racing, embroiled in a legal dispute with NASCAR over a contentious charter deal. While the lawsuit has cast a cloud over FRM’s future, the team is far from waving the white flag. Instead, they are pressing on, committed to competing in the NASCAR Cup Series, and have expanded their lineup to include a third entry for 2025. With Todd Gilliland taking the reins of the No. 34 car and Noah Gragson in charge of the No. 38, the question remains—who will pilot FRM’s third ride?
The pool of available drivers has significantly shrunk. Daniel Hemric and Harrison Burton have taken opportunities in the lower series, while both Riley Herbst and Cole Custer have made the leap to Cup Series promotions. This has left Corey LaJoie and Zane Smith as the primary candidates. If current rumors are to be believed, it seems Zane Smith is the frontrunner to fill the empty seat.
Zane Smith Could Be On His Way Back to Front Row Motorsports
Zane Smith’s NASCAR journey has been a roller coaster. The young rookie was brought on by Trackhouse Racing in 2023 under a multi-year contract, with hopes of helping launch a new project for the team. But the unexpected rise of Shane van Gisbergen and Daniel Suarez’s extension changed everything. Once Trackhouse got their hands on a third charter, Smith’s services were deemed surplus to requirements, ending his rookie year in the Cup Series in a rather disappointing fashion.
Now, rumors of a reunion with FRM are gaining traction, especially after FRM’s General Manager, Jerry Freeze, hinted at such a possibility. Freeze stated, “We still got fond feelings for Zane. I think a year ago if we had a third charter, it would be a no-brainer that Zane Smith would be driving that third car.” Despite the ongoing lawsuit, FRM’s acquisition of their third charter could make the reunion with Smith a reality. Even NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass has weighed in, lending credibility to the whispers.
Smith had previously raced for Front Row Motorsports in the Truck Series, driving the #38 to considerable success. During his tenure, he clinched the 2022 championship and secured six victories for the team. At the time, FRM did not have the capacity to promote him to the Cup Series due to their limited number of charters. With the recent acquisition, however, the stars might finally be aligning for Smith to make his return.
Recent reports have also suggested that Smith’s return might be on a part-time basis. An Instagram fan page recently speculated, “Some say that while Zane still should be going to FRM, his ride could be part-time. Currently, I think the whole car would be part-time, not a full-time car with several part-time drivers.” It’s possible that these uncertainties stem from FRM’s legal struggles, but if there’s anything certain in NASCAR, it’s that the rumor mill is rarely dull.
Could this be the much-needed break for Zane Smith to continue his Cup Series journey, or will FRM’s legal entanglements stall the young driver’s comeback? One thing’s for sure—the upcoming season will be packed with drama, and all eyes are on FRM and the rookie who might just get a second shot.
