Zane Smith Bio
Early Life and Background
Zane Michael Smith was born on June 9, 1999, in Huntington Beach, California. Growing up in a family with a racing background, Smith was exposed to motorsports at an early age. His father, Mike Smith, operates Herbst-Smith Fabrication, a professional off-road racing team that has achieved significant success, including multiple wins at the Baja 1000. Zane’s early interest in racing led him to start karting in 2004, where he quickly made a name for himself by winning championships for five consecutive years.
Smith transitioned to legends car racing before moving up to super late models in 2015. His early achievements in this category included victories in the World Series of Asphalt and the Pro All Stars Series, showcasing his talent and determination to succeed in the sport.
Path to NASCAR
After a successful stint in late model racing, Smith tested an ARCA Menards Series car in January 2016. Although an injury sidelined him early in the year, he returned to compete in two ARCA races with Venturini Motorsports. In 2017, he signed with Venturini Motorsports to drive in the ARCA Racing Series, where he competed for Rookie of the Year honors and achieved multiple top-ten finishes.
In 2018, Smith secured his first victory in the ARCA series and finished second in the overall standings. His impressive performance caught the attention of NASCAR teams, leading to his debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with DGR-Crosley later that year. This marked the beginning of his journey in NASCAR, where he would continue to develop his skills and gain valuable experience.
Zane Smith Career
Early Career (2016-2019)
Smith’s early career was marked by his participation in the ARCA Menards Series, where he claimed four wins and finished second in the 2018 standings. He made his NASCAR Truck Series debut in 2018, finishing fifth in his first race. In 2019, he drove in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports, further expanding his experience in stock car racing.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Breakthrough (2020-2021)
In 2020, Smith joined GMS Racing for the full NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series season. He earned his first career victory at the Henry Ford Health System 200, followed by another win at the KDI Office Technology 200. Smith advanced to the championship round, finishing second overall and earning both Rookie of the Year and Most Popular Driver honors.
Returning to GMS Racing in 2021, Smith continued to impress with a win at the United Rentals 200, securing his place in the Championship 4 race at Phoenix. He finished the season as the runner-up in the standings, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the series.
Front Row Motorsports Era (2022-Present)
In 2022, Smith was announced as the driver of the No. 38 truck for Front Row Motorsports. He began the season with a victory at Daytona, followed by another win at Circuit of the Americas, ultimately clinching the regular-season championship. Smith capped off the year by winning the championship race at Phoenix, becoming the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion.
In 2023, Smith continued to perform well, securing another win at Daytona and earning eight top-five finishes during the regular season. He advanced to the Round of 8 in the playoffs but faced challenges that ultimately led to his elimination. Smith’s consistency and skill have made him a formidable competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Smith is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic approach to racing. His ability to adapt to different tracks and conditions has contributed to his success in various series. He leverages his experience from late models and ARCA to excel in the NASCAR Cup Series, showcasing his versatility as a driver.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Zane Smith’s career highlights include winning the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship and being named the series’ Most Popular Driver in 2020. His impressive track record also features multiple wins across different racing series, establishing him as a prominent figure in motorsports.
Zane Smith Career Wins
Zane Smith has achieved significant success in various racing series, with a total of nine wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and four wins in the ARCA Menards Series.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
In the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, Smith is driving the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Front Row Motorsports. He has secured one pole position and three top-ten finishes, showcasing his potential to compete at a high level. Despite some challenges, Smith remains a strong contender in the series.
Previous NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Achievements
During his time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Smith achieved nine wins, including his championship-winning season in 2022. His ability to perform under pressure and secure victories has solidified his status as a top driver in the series.
Zane Smith Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Zane Smith comes from a family deeply rooted in motorsports. His father, Mike Smith, has been instrumental in his racing career, providing support and guidance as he navigated the competitive landscape of stock car racing.
Personal Life
Smith is married to McCall Gaulding, who is the younger sister of fellow race car driver Gray Gaulding. The couple maintains a private life away from the racetrack, focusing on their shared passion for racing and motorsports.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a challenging one for Zane Smith, who has faced difficulties in achieving consistent finishes. After starting the season with a 36th-place DNF at the Daytona 500, he has shown flashes of potential, including earning his first career Cup Series pole at Talladega. However, his overall performance has been marked by inconsistency, resulting in missed playoff opportunities. Smith’s best finish so far has been 13th at the Daytona 500, and he aims to build on this as the season progresses. His resilience and determination will be key as he looks to improve his standings in the coming races.
