Front Row Motorsports is set to open the NASCAR season with an exciting start as Zane Smith and the No. 38 Long John Silver’s Ford Mustang Dark Horse Team participate in the Clash at Bowman Gray on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The latest Front Row Motorsports NASCAR update highlights Smith’s ambitions for a strong performance in this 200-lap exhibition event, hoping to build momentum for the rest of the Cup Series year.
The race, taking place at the historic Bowman Gray Stadium, marks the official beginning of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series. Fans can tune in at 8:00 PM ET on FOX, MRN, or SiriusXM channel 90 to catch all the action as Smith leads his team onto the quarter-mile track for the first major contest of the season.
Smith’s Determined Approach and Memorable Atmosphere
As he embarks on his third full Cup Series season, Zane Smith continues to team up with returning crew chief Ryan Bergenty, a partnership that produced notable results last year with one top-five and five top-10 finishes. Smith is looking forward to competing with the fresh and bold Long John Silver’s “Fish Yeah” paint scheme, aiming not just to participate but to capture a pivotal early-season victory.
The atmosphere at Bowman Gray promises to be charged with excitement, especially given the unpredictable weather and the eagerness of fans for the first race of the year. As Smith emphasized,
“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
The Team Behind the No. 38 Car
Success at Bowman Gray will depend not just on Smith’s driving but also on the expertise of a dedicated crew. Crew chief Ryan Bergenty returns with experience, hailing from Plainville, Connecticut, to direct strategy and calls from the box. Car chief Will Norris brings insights from Bells, Tennessee, while engineers Jacob Clamme and Chris Yerges support performance, coming from Hartford City, Indiana, and Green Bay, Wisconsin, respectively.
The mechanical side is handled capably by Steve Godfrey of West Haven, Connecticut, and Austin Bloom from Lowell, Oregon, serving as both mechanic and engine tuner. Matt Fowler of Spartanburg, South Carolina, provides crucial interior support, while Ryan Blanchard oversees spotting from Bethlehem, Connecticut. Logistics for this multi-state team are handled smoothly by co-drivers Bryan Whitman of Newton, North Carolina, and Shawn Sellew from Stafford Springs, Connecticut.
Front Row Motorsports and Their Competitive History
Front Row Motorsports has built a reputation for on-track achievements since its founding in 2004 by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins. The organization fields several teams in both the Cup and Craftsman Truck Series, boasting victories like the 2021 Daytona 500 win and the 2022 Truck Series championship. With their headquarters in Mooresville, North Carolina, and a robust presence in both series, Front Row Motorsports continues to pursue new milestones each season.
Sponsorship Spotlight: Long John Silver’s
Supporting Smith and his quest for victory, Long John Silver’s enters 2026 still committed to celebrating memorable moments with race fans through quality seafood and distinctive service. Founded in 1969, the company’s expanding national footprint ensures their specialty from “sea to mouth-watering sea” is accessible across the country, including at major sporting events like NASCAR races.
Looking Ahead to the Remainder of the NASCAR Season
With the Clash at Bowman Gray providing the first competitive test of the season, Smith and Front Row Motorsports are intent on delivering an exciting performance fans won’t forget. A strong showing will not only set the tone for upcoming events such as the iconic Daytona 500 but also reinforce the team’s standing in the NASCAR Cup Series. The crew’s passion and preparation signal their readiness for the challenge, and as the engines roar on race night, all eyes will be on Zane Smith and the No. 38 team as they chase early-season glory.
