Zane Smith has secured a multi-year contract extension with Front Row Motorsports, committing his future to the team in a move that reflects FRM’s confidence in his potential. The Front Row Motorsports contract extension ensures the promising NASCAR Cup Series driver remains part of the organization through at least 2026, strengthening the team’s young lineup and long-term aspirations amid recent challenges on the track.
Smith’s Return Marks a New Era for Front Row Motorsports
Smith’s agreement to stay with Front Row through 2026 and beyond signals the organization’s intent to build around youthful talent. Since joining the team, Smith has captured a Truck Series championship and briefly left for other opportunities, including a stint with Spire in the Cup Series and a connection to Trackhouse. After a series of changes, Smith has come back to FRM, now ready to focus on his career at the wheel of Ford machinery.
Joining him for the next season will be Noah Gragson and Todd Gilliland, who are also set to return, forming a dynamic and youthful trio in the Front Row garage. FRM is hoping that consistency and experience together will translate to success in future seasons.
“He’s baaaack.We’re excited to announce that we have agreed to a multi year extension with @ZaneSmith pic.twitter.com/IbUOrqkl5P”
— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM)
Performance Progress and Notable Moments for Smith in Recent Season
Although Front Row Motorsports has faced a tough year on the track, Smith’s individual performances have given the team signs of optimism. After transitioning from Spire and Chevy back to Front Row and Ford, Smith has shown improvement during the season. Notable finishes include a ninth-place at Phoenix and a strong seventh at Michigan. Perhaps his standout moment came at Bristol, where he achieved a third-place finish—his most impressive Cup Series performance to date.
Smith’s resilience as a driver has stood out even when the team faced difficulties. While his teammates struggled through the summer months, Smith maintained solid results and did not experience the same downturn. In contrast, Gragson secured a top-10 at Charlotte but failed to place inside the top 20 from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and Gilliland had a mixture of results, with a top-10 at Indianapolis and P11 at Daytona during the same period.
Expectations for Smith’s Role in the Team’s Future
With Smith’s new Front Row Motorsports contract extension in place, questions are emerging about his potential to lead the team as its top driver. Smith’s ties to FRM run deep, and his abilities are well regarded within the NASCAR garage. Many view him as a standout talent with the chance to become FRM’s leading competitor, provided he continues building on this year’s momentum.
Though Smith has delivered some of the team’s best results this season, fully asserting himself as the top driver will depend on his continued progress and ability to inspire consistent performances across the organization. As Front Row Motorsports welcomes back Smith, Gragson, and Gilliland for the upcoming season, the team is hopeful their investment in young drivers will pay off, especially as legal uncertainties and organizational challenges remain in the background.
Outlook for Front Row Motorsports After Securing Smith’s Commitment
As the next season approaches, all eyes will be on the trio of Zane Smith, Noah Gragson, and Todd Gilliland to determine whether their combined experience and youthful drive can elevate Front Row Motorsports’ results. The team’s continued faith in its developing talent is clear, and the stability that comes with Smith’s contract extension is expected to help foster improvement on the track. While questions remain regarding the ongoing NASCAR antitrust lawsuit and its potential effects on the sport, FRM is clearly focused on its future with a refreshed and unified driver roster.
By keeping Zane Smith in the fold, Front Row Motorsports sends a strong message about its dedication to developing a competitive foundation for years to come. The team, its fans, and the broader NASCAR community will be watching closely to see whether this commitment leads to success as the new season unfolds.
He's baaaack.
We're excited to announce that we have agreed to a multi year extension with @ZaneSmith pic.twitter.com/IbUOrqkl5P
— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) October 23, 2025
