The 2026 NASCAR season begins with excitement as Front Row Motorsports heads to Bowman Gray Stadium for the annual Clash, featuring the highly anticipated Front Row Motorsports NASCAR Clash. Driver Zane Smith will pilot the No. 38 car, showcasing the Long John Silver’s “Fish Yeah” paint scheme for the 200-lap exhibition event at this historic track.
Smith and Bergenty Continue On-Track Partnership
Zane Smith, now entering his third full Cup Series season, remains teamed up with crew chief Ryan Bergenty, a duo that proved effective last year with one top-five and five top-10 finishes. Their ongoing collaboration is expected to bring added consistency and results as they target a strong performance in the opening event of the season.
Unique Conditions Set for This Year’s Clash
The race weekend at Bowman Gray is expected to bring unusually cold weather, which may offer new challenges for drivers and teams. Smith acknowledged the uniqueness of these conditions, reflecting on the atmosphere and anticipation for this year’s event.
“This might be the coldest race weekend I’ve ever experienced but that’s just another part of the Clash experience that will make it unique for the fans watching. It was an electric atmosphere last year, and I’m confident this year we can make the main event and get some momentum on our side heading into Daytona.”
– Zane Smith, Driver
Momentum and Significance of the Exhibition Event
Front Row Motorsports aims to capitalize on the Bowman Gray Clash as an early momentum builder for the full NASCAR Cup Series campaign, setting the stage for Daytona and the rest of the season. Fans and teams alike will watch closely as Zane Smith and his crew seek a strong start and valuable experience from this exhibition event.
