NASCAR driver Zane Smith has publicly discussed what he regards as his most embarrassing moment on the racetrack, highlighting his emotional vulnerability during key career victories, a topic that has gained traction among fans and fellow drivers alike. The discussion arose in light of Smith’s reflective comments as he continues to advance in his NASCAR Cup Series sophomore season.
Emotions Run High for Zane Smith Amid NASCAR Challenges
Zane Smith, now a recognized figure in the NASCAR Cup Series, has gradually made his mark, especially as he continues to secure better finishes in 2025. The season has had its ups and downs, with Smith striving for a long-awaited Cup Series breakthrough. Notably, a moment that many fans labeled as embarrassing occurred during a run-in with Carson Hocevar in Iowa, where Smith attempted to retaliate on track after Hocevar got into his car. This attempt was ultimately unsuccessful, and fans called out Smith for what they described as a misstep during the race. However, Smith himself did not consider this incident to be particularly shameful.
Instead, Smith’s perspective on embarrassment takes a more personal turn. Despite not yet securing a Cup race win, he has an impressive record in the Craftsman Truck Series, where his four-year stint from 2020 through 2023 yielded nine victories, three Championship 4 appearances, and a Truck Series title in 2022. During those celebrated years, the Huntington Beach, California native allowed his genuine feelings to surface—especially in Victory Lane, an environment where emotions often peak for drivers. Smith discussed this topic during a recent appearance on the ‘Stacking Pennies’ podcast, responding to a question from Corey LaJoie as follows:
“What’s your most embarrassing moment at the racetrack?”
LaJoie’s question prompted Smith to initially hesitate before recalling his most memorable and, in his view, embarrassing moments were those marked not by failure, but by raw emotion. Smith candidly admitted:
“Oh man, most embarrassing moment. Uh, I don’t know.”
“I’m an emotional guy. So there’s been a couple of wins where I get a little teary-eyed,”
Smith—well-known among NASCAR drivers who are often seen as tough, sometimes engaging in intense confrontations—acknowledged that his willingness to openly display emotion can feel uncomfortable at times. He shared,
“That’s a little embarrassing at times.”
“But I care a lot about it,”
In response, Corey LaJoie assured Smith:
“There’s nothing wrong with that.”
Adding to the lighthearted atmosphere, fellow podcast member Skip Flores playfully remarked:
“First guy that’s ever been embarrassed for winning.”
Pushing Through Ups and Downs in 2025
As Smith continues his sophomore Cup Series campaign, he has faced both triumph and adversity. His most recent high point came at the Bristol night race, where he achieved both his first and third career top-five finishes of the season. Reflecting on the emotional toll of competing without frequent victories, Smith admitted:
“Man, you could go through a stretch there without just winning something, and it takes a toll on you. Like, man, can I still do this? Do I still stay as locked in as I did? And you question why it’s not happening.”
“But it was a good reminder on Saturday that I feel I still can win.”
Earlier results this year have included difficult moments, such as a wreck in Dover involving Ryan Preece as Smith was contending in 14th place and a race-ending incident with Christopher Bell while he was running 13th at the Brickyard 400. However, Smith managed to challenge for the win at Bristol, only narrowly missing victory after contact with Carson Hocevar allowed Bell to secure the win with four laps to go—a defeat that certainly stung, but also served as motivation for Smith.
Expert Advice and a Look Toward New Hampshire
Looking ahead to the Magic Mile in New Hampshire, where Smith is set to be backed by Long John Silver’s for the 301-lap event, he remains optimistic. Leaning on the expertise within his team, Smith noted the importance of advice from those who understand the track’s nuances:
“New Hampshire isn’t a track I have a lot of laps at, but it’s Ryan’s (Bergenty) home track and a place he’s had success at with Ryan Newman in the Modifieds. So there’s a lot of positivity heading into the weekend.”
“I hope to qualify well. I think qualifying can be incredibly important, as it is every weekend. But it’s tough to pass – a little bit different tire there…I’m excited to see what it brings.”
Smith is eager to capitalize on the momentum from his recent performance at Bristol and is hopeful that a strong qualifying effort will set up a successful run in New Hampshire.
Redefining Embarrassment: Strength Through Vulnerability
In the context of the NASCAR Cup Series, where displays of toughness often overshadow sensitivity, Zane Smith’s self-professed “embarrassing” moment—becoming teary-eyed after a hard-fought win—stands out as a testament to his passion and commitment to the sport. While some fans and fellow drivers may find such openness unusual, Smith embraces it as a reflection of how much he values his journey and achievements.
With veterans such as Corey LaJoie and the backing of Front Row Motorsports, Smith is determined to keep improving, converting near misses into victories, and perhaps, finding new moments—embarrassing or otherwise—that showcase his unique character. As the NASCAR calendar continues with pivotal events like the New Hampshire race, the racing community will be watching to see how Smith channels his intense emotional energy to fuel future triumphs.
Smith’s story not only adds a distinctive human dimension to NASCAR but also reminds the broader world of sports that embracing vulnerability can be a source of strength, even in the high-stakes, intensely competitive world of motorsport.
