In an unexpected twist to this year’s NASCAR narrative, Zane Smith, after a stellar year with Front Row Motorsports in the Craftsman Truck Series finishing 10 top-5s in 20 races , has made a jaw-dropping switch to Trackhouse Racing. Even Justin Marks, known for being vocal about his ventures, kept mum about this brewing transition. Yet, given the unpredictable nature of NASCAR, such twists are par for the course.

What’s truly captivating? The state of the behemoth manufacturer Smith is leaving behind. As Zane sets his sights on Trackhouse, it appears the $50.47 billion titan faces a stark reality following a less-than-stellar season.

Zane Smith’s departure promises seismic repercussions for the top-tier manufacturer

Eyebrows rose when Justin Marks made no hint of expanding Trackhouse Racing to a trio of cars in 2024. His vision? Engaging in Project 91 more extensively and teaming up with fellow competitors to hone his expertise on ovals. This was even after inking a deal with Chicago Street Course maestro Shane van Gisbergen.

Yet, in a twist, former Ford driver Zane Smith is now slated to steer Marks’ third car in 2024. For his debut Nascar Cup Series season, Spire Motorsports, fresh off a whopping $40 million charter acquisition from Live Fast Motorsports, will take the helm. Smith, however, isn’t severing ties entirely; he’ll liaise with the Trackhouse crew throughout his year at Spire.

With Smith onboard, Trackhouse lays the first brick in its ambitious expansion blueprint. Concurrently, Spire Motorsports maneuvers itself to synergize with what Marks dubs a “challenger team.” Although the move augurs well for Trackhouse Racing and Chevrolet, storm clouds gather over Ford. With Smith, their brightest prospect outside the Cup Series, jumping ship, they’re left bereft.

The narrative shift isn’t unprecedented. Smith was at the wheel of a Chevrolet for GMS Racing during the 2020 and 2021 Truck Series seasons before joining FRM in 2022.

As per Frontstretch.com, Ford’s predicament deepens with a dwindling roster of emerging talent, especially when contrasted with Chevrolet and Toyota’s brimming talent pools. Chevrolet’s leading breeding grounds in the Xfinity Series include JR Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, and Kaulig Racing, while Joe Gibbs Racing shines similarly for Toyota. Ford, on the other hand? They’re left with two SHR cars in the series, a single FRM truck, and four at ThorSport Racing. Their solitary FRM truck driver, who had the potential to climb the ranks, is no more.

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The enormity of Ford’s quandary after Smith’s exit cannot be overstated. Yet, undeterred by the tumult, Zane Smith resolutely states his readiness for the upcoming venture.

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Zane Smith is set to don Chevrolet colors again come 2024, bidding farewell to his stint with Ford

Trackhouse Racing Team last week announced an intriguing collaboration: Smith will helm a third NASCAR Cup Series car for Spire Motorsports throughout the season.

As per checkeredflag.co.uk, Smith, exuding enthusiasm, remarked, “I truly do believe I’m ready now. I’m excited for next year with Spire to learn. Sunday is a whole different ballgame. I’m just ready to attack it and take advantage of the opportunity I have in front of me.”

Boosting their fleet, Spire, already showcasing the #7 (Corey Lajoie) and #77 (Ty Gibbs), will unveil a third car for Smith, made possible through a whopping USD$40 million (€37,476,000) charter acquired from Live Fast Motorsports.

Read More: “I Almost Didn’t Have Anything”- Days After Sealing SVG’s NASCAR Fate, Zane Smith Brought to Tears by Justin Marks

Before aligning with Ford and Front Row Motorsports in 2022, Smith’s commendable performances with Chevrolets were undeniable, notching second in points in both 2020 and 2021 with GMS Racing his adaptability was on full display when he clinched his inaugural win with the Blue Oval, ultimately seizing the title. Presently, with two triumphs under his belt, the No. 38 stands seventh in points.

While Smith’s truck seasons have been noteworthy, his brief Cup Series excursions with FRM, highlighted by a P8 finish at the Coca-Cola 600 in May, offer a tantalizing glimpse of his prowess. As he embarks on this fresh alliance with a different manufacturer and team, all eyes will be on this Truck Series maestro, eagerly awaiting his next move.