After a breakout season as the driver of the No. 38 Ford F-150, Chandler Smith has confirmed his return with Front Row Motorsports for the team’s 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series campaign, ensuring the organization’s momentum continues into the next chapter. The Front Row Motorsports 2026 season is expected to build upon a string of strong performances, as Smith and his crew prepare for new challenges and bigger goals.
A Year of Breakthroughs Sparks Future Ambitions
Smith’s initial season with Front Row Motorsports was defined by success, as he took the reins of the No. 38 entry following the team’s expansion to a two-truck operation after 2024. During the 2025 Truck Series schedule, Smith celebrated two impressive wins—dominating at Bristol in the spring and securing a landmark victory at North Wilkesboro Speedway. His consistent performance produced five top-five and sixteen top-10 finishes, elevating the team’s profile in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and setting high expectations for the upcoming season.
“It’s incredible what this group accomplished in just one season,”
said Chandler Smith.
“When I came to Front Row on such short notice, no one expected us to make a playoff run — but this team never backed down. The work, the belief, and the effort they put in made all the difference. I’m excited for what’s ahead and confident in what we can achieve together.”
– Chandler Smith, Driver
Crew Chief Jon Leonard Renews Leadership for 2026 Season
Supporting Smith’s quest for further triumphs, veteran crew chief Jon Leonard will continue calling the shots for the No. 38 team. With six years’ experience in the Truck Series and equal time as a chief, Leonard’s return signifies stability and synergy at the pit box.
“I’m looking forward to working with Chandler (Smith) again,”
said Jon Leonard.
“We have a mutual trust for each other; we just click. He knows what he needs out of the truck to be better and he communicates that well. That level of clarity makes my job easier, and together I think we can build something strong right out of the gate.”
– Jon Leonard, Crew Chief
Attention Turns to Daytona and Upcoming Announcements
With the contract announcement behind them, Smith and the No. 38 crew now focus on the Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway—a race that has recently brought success for Front Row Motorsports, who won the event in both 2022 and 2023. This historic venue offers a high-profile stage for the team to launch their campaign and set the tone for the long Truck Series season ahead. Meanwhile, details regarding new partnerships and sponsors for the No. 38 Ford F-150 are expected to be revealed at a later date, as anticipation builds for the next steps in the organization’s evolution.
The decision to anchor Chandler Smith and Jon Leonard at the heart of Front Row Motorsports signals confidence in their shared vision and showcases the team’s determination to compete for more wins as the 2026 season approaches.
