Chandler Smith is set to compete in his first Daytona 500 with Front Row Motorsports, piloting the No. 36 Ford Mustang Dark Horse at Daytona International Speedway in February 2026. After an accomplished debut season with the team in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, during which he celebrated two victories, Smith takes on this new challenge as FRM aims for another strong showing at one of the sport’s landmark events.
Smith’s Track Record and Ambitions for the Season
The Daytona International Speedway has proven favorable for Smith throughout his racing career. In previous appearances at the venue, Smith has averaged a 12th-place finish in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and a 10.3 finish in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, demonstrating his proficiency at the iconic track. As he steps into the Cup Series spotlight at “The Great American Race,” expectations for Smith and the No. 36 team are high.
I’m really excited to take a shot at the Daytona 500 with the FRM Cup Series program,
said Smith.
This organization is known for its speed at superspeedways, and I am going to give it my best shot to win the Harley J. Earl Trophy or help my teammates if I am in the position to do so in the end. I greatly appreciate the opportunity and will do my part to get FRM off to a great start to the 2026 Cup season, while I pursue my primary goal this year in winning the 2026 Truck Series Championship.
Smith’s dual focus in 2026 includes both making an immediate impact in the Cup Series and continuing his pursuit of the Truck Series Championship. Working with teammates and leveraging FRM’s history of strong superspeedway performances, he hopes to launch his Cup campaign with momentum and contribute to the team’s season objectives.
Opportunities for Sponsors and Partners
There are still prominent partnership opportunities available for sponsors interested in aligning with Chandler Smith and the No. 36 FRM team at Daytona. Participation in this event offers significant exposure at one of NASCAR’s marquee races, and interested parties are encouraged to connect with Front Row Motorsports for more details.
Front Row Motorsports’ Ongoing Success in NASCAR
Based in Mooresville, N.C., Front Row Motorsports (FRM) stands as a respected and winning organization across both the NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The team, led by owner Bob Jenkins, claimed the 2021 Daytona 500 title and secured the 2022 Truck Series championship. FRM operates several Cup and Truck Series teams and remains committed to growing its legacy at venues like Daytona International Speedway.
What This Means for Smith, FRM, and Daytona
Chandler Smith’s entry into the Daytona 500 signals another step in the evolving story of Front Row Motorsports at this historic track. With accomplished teammates and a leadership group that includes Bob Jenkins, FRM is well-positioned to make an impact this season. As fans, enthusiasts, and industry insiders watch closely, Smith’s drive will be a focal point at Daytona, potentially shaping the momentum of his 2026 campaign in the Truck Series and beyond.
