Zane Smith’s NASCAR career journey has been marked by determination and tough decisions, many influenced by his father’s experience and advice. The current Front Row Motorsports driver is making headlines in the 2025 Cup Series season, but it was a strategic move by his dad that redirected Smith from off-road trophy trucks to success on asphalt circuits.
Early Interests and Parental Guidance Shaped Smith’s Racing Path
Zane Smith’s journey into professional racing was not linear. Growing up in a motorsports family, Smith started with BMX at age three, advanced to go-karts by six, and entered the stock car scene as a teenager. His dad, Mike Smith—a veteran off-road race truck builder, team manager, and trophy truck enthusiast based in Huntington Beach—had firsthand knowledge of the risks and rewards across racing disciplines.
Despite Mike’s clear admiration for Zane’s skills and work ethic—
“It’s been an unreal ride…He’s worked super hard to get to where he is, and he’s so determined.”
—Mike Smith, Zane Smith’s father—he guided his son’s aspirations away from off-road trophy trucks, having seen the demanding nature and limited long-term prospects of the sport.
Recalling his early influences, Zane shared,
“He is out in North Carolina now and does way less. But yeah, he was the team manager for the off-road race team.”
—Zane Smith, referencing his father’s past career. With his father operating a professional off-road team, it was natural for Zane to be drawn towards that path. The young driver reminisced about racing trophy carts, saying,
“I grew up racing trophy carts, which is like a mini trophy truck with like a 450 dirt bike engine. They’re awesome,”
—Zane Smith—but his father stepped in, issuing practical, grounded advice.
Mike Smith made it clear to his son that the stability and earnings potential in trophy truck racing simply did not match up with what NASCAR could offer. As Zane explained,
“But I’d say, after that, my dad made it very clear to me, like, you don’t make a living in these.”
—Zane Smith. This pivotal moment set the younger Smith onto a new course, even though his heart was still deeply connected to the thrilling—but risky—world of off-road contests.
Nostalgia for the Off-Road World and Its Dangers
Before fully embracing his NASCAR ambitions, Zane spent time in the off-road racing scene, connecting with fellow competitors like Riley Herbst, a close friend from his West Coast days. These early experiences were fun but fraught with hazards. Of these youthful adventures, Zane said,
“Ugh, man, I love it. But like, you have to have like, full trust…It’s insane to experience the different driving styles that people have. There are a few guys that come to mind. Dude, I was like, 8 years old riding these things like beach blankets…so sketchy, thinking back on it.”
—Zane Smith. The combination of exhilaration and risk cemented the unpredictability of the off-road path, reinforcing his father’s advice.
The excitement of those summer nights was heightened by the presence of Robby Gordon, a legend in both NASCAR and off-road racing. Smith remembered the influence of such figures on his budding passion and how much he valued that camaraderie.
“Robby is like, incredibly talented. We actually used to have some little races at his shop. Like, he had this track. Those are some of the most fun summer nights I ever had.”
—Zane Smith.
Rising Through NASCAR’s Ranks Against the Odds
Leaving behind trophy truck aspirations proved to be the right choice for Zane Smith’s NASCAR career journey. He entered the national scene in 2020 as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ youngest finalist, impressing seasoned observers with his calm and focus. The discipline paid off in 2022, when he clinched four victories en route to the Truck Series championship. Nevertheless, the leap into the Cup Series brought new challenges: in his 2024 rookie season, Smith finished 30th overall and lost his ride with Spire Motorsports.
Despite a difficult setback, Smith’s resolve only strengthened. Landing with Front Row Motorsports, he quickly established himself as the top performer among the team’s drivers, highlighted by a podium finish at Bristol. This marked the best average running position of his Cup career so far—eighth—and signaled that Smith was adjusting rapidly to NASCAR’s highest level.
Looking Ahead: Ambitions for Victory and Redemption
Smith’s progress and drive have rekindled belief in his ability to capture a Cup Series win.
“I think there are some great tracks coming up for us. Some that come to mind, Loudon. I feel pretty much my whole entire team has, in some way, a modified background, so I’m excited for this weekend. Kansas, Vegas, Martinsville, Talladega is in there. Phoenix we had a great run in the top ten earlier in the year. So I definitely feel we can go get our first win of the year.”
—Zane Smith. His positive outlook is matched by consistent performance, as he remains the fastest among the Front Row Motorsports roster.
The Zane Smith NASCAR career journey continues to inspire fans and affirm family impact in sport. By listening to his father’s seasoned advice and navigating through early disappointments, Smith has put himself in position for a breakout Cup victory. With key events like races at Loudon, Kansas, and Phoenix on the horizon, the motorsports world will watch closely to see whether this promising talent can secure his first Cup triumph and validate his father’s fateful decision.
