Michael McDowell was fastest in opening NASCAR Cup Series practice Friday in Mexico City as the series prepares for its inaugural event at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit.

McDowell topped the board at 92.657mph (90.024s). The Spire Motorsports driver ran 19 laps in the 50-minute session.

Since Mexico City is a new circuit for the Cup Series, there will be a second practice later in the afternoon.

Chase Briscoe was second fastest at 92.547mph, Ty Gibbs was third at 92.542mph, Austin Cindric was fourth at 92.528mph and Kyle Larson completed the top five at 92.427mph.

Chris Buescher was sixth (92.427mph), Joey Logano seventh (92.401mph), Ross Chastain eighth (92.349mph), Shane van Gisbergen ninth (92.330mph) and Todd Gilliland 10th (92.276 mph).

Local hero Daniel Suarez was 12th.

Multiple drivers missed corners, locked up the brakes or had solo spins, but two had more significant incidents. Carson Hocevar got loose and slid off the track in Turn 11, damaging his Chevrolet. Noah Gragson damaged his Ford when he hit the wall going into Turn 4.

There are 37 teams entered in the Mexico City event. Katherine Legge, in the Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet, is the sole Open entry.

NEXT: Cup Series final practice at 5:30 p.m. ET.

By Vincent Delforge, Staff Writer

The fifth race of the 2025 ARCA Menards West Series season will take place this Saturday, June 14, at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway (KHKR) 0.5-mile short-track, paved oval, located in Bakersfield, CA.

The NAPA Auto Parts 150 presented by West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame will be the 17th race the West Series has held at this oval since 2013. The first race was won at the time by Greg Pursley. Note that the most successful driver in the history of the KCRP is Derek Kraus with four consecutive victories!

This will be the second time this season the oval has been used, as the first race of the 2025 championship took place there on January 25th. Trevor Huddleston won the race in a photo finish ahead of Kyle Keller.

After four races, the 2025 championship is more open than ever. Leader Huddleston (High Point Racing) has 161 points, two more than Tanner Reif (Central Coast Racing). Eric Johnson, Jr. (Jerry Pitts Racing) is third, just six points back. Jan’s Racing teammates Kyle Keller (-7 points) and Robbie Kennealy (-11 points) round out the Top 5.

Did you know? Let’s talk about siblings.

I want to clarify right away that I will only be talking about driver siblings here. There have been countless siblings in the West Series if you take into account mechanics, crew chiefs, spotters, etc.)

This race will be the first time Jan’s Racing Team will enter three cars in a championship race. Joey Kennealy, Robbie’s younger brother, will drive the No. 9 Ford. Having two brothers driving for the same team in a race is nothing new in the West Series. The most recent being the Reif brothers, Tanner and Tyler, at Phoenix last March. But the two brothers did not ride for the same team.

At KHKR, the most recent being the Nascimento brothers, Eric Jr. and Ethan, in October 2024. Before them, there were for example the Bassett brothers, Dillon and Ronnie Jr., in 2017, and the Ash brothers, Brandon and Eric, in 1998. However, the latter drove for the family team each time.

While Robbie and Joey Kennealy both drove for the family team last year, it wasn’t in the same races. This time they’ll be teammates, but not on the family team, as it will be for team owner Jan Qualkenbush.

But for the first time in the history of the West Series (since 1954), there will be no fewer than four members of the Kennealy family present at the KHKR, all in the same team but not in their family team. Robbie’s twin sister, Harley, will make her debut as co-crew chief for her younger brother Joey, under the guidance of the experienced Chris Greaney.

But Robbie, Harley, and Joey, that makes three, you might ask? So why did I write four? Well, because Kyle Keller, the team’s third driver, is Harley’s boyfriend and is considered a son-in-law by Fran, the Kennealy children’s mother.

In the history of the West Series, since 1954, there have been 32 siblings*. The first time two brothers rode in the same race was Tim and Fonty Flock in 1955 at Phoenix (the 10th race in history). Tim won the race while Fonty had to retire (28th). While many siblings have been able to compete in the same races, others haven’t had this opportunity, such as the recent Raz brothers, Gracin and Kole, who didn’t ride in the same years.

In some cases, there were even three-brother families, such as the Wallaces (Rusty, Mike, and Kenny), the Reeders (Bo, Frank, and Nat), or the Beckers (Chuck Jr., Rick, and Randy). However, all three brothers never competed together in the same race.

*Note: I’m not including races combined with the NASCAR Cup Series if the drivers scored points only for the Cup Series, like Terry and Bobby Labonte, for example.

In addition to the Nascimentos (Eric, Jr. and Ethan), the Bassetts (Dillon and Ronnie, Jr.), and the Reifs (Tanner and Tyler), the pair of brothers with the best overall finish in a single race was the Krogh brothers in 1996 at Tucson Speedway. Mark won the race and Jeff finished third. Next came the Jefferson brothers in 1997 at Tri-City, with Jason winning and Jeff fifth.

What will the Kennealy brothers do in Bakersfield? And will we have the chance to see them together again in another race this season? These are questions that will already have some answers this Saturday, June 14th.

The Race Procedure 

The race will be 150 laps (75 miles) and all activities will be concentrated on the single day of Saturday with the single practice from 3 to 4 p.m. PT. The General Tire Pole Qualifying will be from 4:20 to 4:40 p.m. PT and finally, the race will be at 7 p.m. PT (10 p.m. ET), which will be broadcast live on FloRacing.

CREW CHIEF HANDOUT: Field is limited to 22 starters plus provisionals. This event will be run under the 2025 ARCA Menards Series West rules, procedures, regulations and specifications.

QUALIFYING: Starting positions will be set by the fastest recorded lap in qualifying per the Timed Session Qualifying Procedure, plus provisionals.

RACE PIT STOP: Break pitting procedure. Break at / or near lap 75. Teams can change 2 tires at the break. No adding or moving tires to or from the pit box once the race has started.

TIRE ALLOTMENT: Per ARCA Rulebook, a maximum tire usage requirement for this event (purchased plus from-home tires) is 10.

ARCA West quick stats at KHKR

-72nd season in history.   

-Race No. 1033 since the inception of the West Series in 1954.              

-2025 race No. 5 of 12.     

-696th paved oval race in history. 

-17th race at KHKR since 2013. 

-Among the manufacturers Toyota leads the dance at KHKR with 9 wins ahead of Ford (6) and Chevrolet (1). The all-time most successful manufacturer is Ford with 293 wins.

The all-time most successful owners in history are Bill McAnally (76), Fred Elder (45), Bob Bruncati (42) and Ernie Conn (41).

-The all-time most successful teams in history are Bill McAnally Racing (100), McCoy Racing (54), The Racing Farmers (47), Bruncati Racing (42) and Gene Price Motorsports (26).

-The most successful team at KHKR is Bill McAnally Racing with 6 wins.

-Derek Kraus is the most successful pilot at KHKR with 4 wins. In all, 10 different drivers have won at least one race.

-Bill McAnally Racing is the most successful team with seven poles at KHKR.  

-The most successful team in history is Bill McAnally Racing with 82 poles.

-The most successful owner in history is Bill McAnally with 55 poles.  

-Among the manufacturers, Toyota leads with 10 poles ahead of Ford (4) and Chevrolet (2).

-The all-time most successful manufacturer is Chevrolet with 263.  

-The pole sitter has won the race six times. Whoever started second has won four times.

-The driver who won the race from the worst starting position was Dylan Lupton with the ninth position in 2014.

-The track record is owned by Gray Gaulding at 100.514 mph achieved in 2013.   

-As far as yellow flags are concerned, the record is 8 (three times). The 2015 race holds the record for the number of yellow flag laps with 43.  

-The record for the fewest cautions is 1, this year. The previous record was 3 (the previous four races). With just 8 laps behind the pace car, the 2025 race holds the record for fewest laps under yellow flags.

-The most leader changes occurred in 2016 with 9. The fewest leader change is zero in 2019 and 2024.

-The largest starting field was in 2013 with 28 cars.

-The smallest starting field was in 2025 with 12 cars (the previous smallest field in 2019 with 13 cars).

-The driver with the most races is Takuma Koga (11).

-The driver with the most wins is Derek Kraus (4)

-The driver with the most poles is Todd Gilliland (3)

-The driver with the most Top 5is Trevor Huddleston with 6.

-The driver with the most Top 10 are Trevor Huddleston, David Mayhew and Todd Souza with 9. 

-The driver with the most laps is Takuma Koga (1462). Trevor Huddleston is second with 1380 laps.

-The driver with the most laps lead is Derek Kraus (368).

-Four times the race has been extended by overtime (2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019).

It’s time to take a detailed look at the list of  15 drivers who are registered for this race. In addition to the regular drivers, we’ll welcome a newcomer in Andrew Chapman. It will also be an opportunity to see P.J. Pedroncelli, Jr., Jaron Giannini, and Buddy Shepherd for the first time this year.

The Drivers

No. 05 David Smith (Shockwave Racing) 

The first race of the season in Bakersfield allowed David Smith to earn a Top 10 finish. He drove a cautious race, making the most of his car. Since then, the 2025 season has been more complicated for the Canadian veteran. There will be more cars this time than last January. But opting for the same strategy could pay off if some of his rivals struggle. Brandon Carlson will be his crew chief.

No. 1 Robbie Kennealy (Jan’s Racing Team) 

Fourth last January, Kennealy has since finished in the top 10 in every race. But he hasn’t managed to re-enter the top 5. And yet, it’s not for lack of showing his speed. He’s just been a little unlucky. With his crew chief Chris Greaney, the goal will be to do at least as well as he did in January.

No. 3 Todd Souza (Central Coast Racing)

Souza wasn’t behind the wheel of the No. 3 car last January, as CCR’s young Spaniard Adrian Ferrer was entered. But Souza has extensive KHKR experience, as this will be his 11th race here. He has seven top-10 finishes on the half-mile oval, his best result being a fifth-place finish in 2019. Gilbert Munoz will be his crew chief.

No. 5 Eric Johnson, Jr. (Jerry Pitts Racing) 

Fifth in January for the 2025 season opener, Eric Johnson, Jr. has since confirmed his position with two more top-five finishes. He finished second and fourth respectively in his last two races. He is firmly established in third place in the championship. He has been testing this week and will be more than ever a contender for victory. A first career victory could definitively relieve him of this pressure and allow him to consider a championship title. Dustin Ash will be his crew chief.

No. 6 Buddy Shepherd (Jerry Pitts Racing) 

For his only race last year, Shepherd had obviously chosen his home track since he lives in Bakersfield. But while he had a good start to the race, driving in third place, he would later fall victim to a broken suspension. He’s back with Jerry Pitts Racing and will have RJ Johnson as his crew chief. With no championship pressure, his sole objective will be to win the race.

No. 9 Joey Kennealy (Jan’s Racing Team) 

For his second career race last year and his first at KHKR, young Joey finished 14th. This time he will drive a third car for Jan Qualkenbush. And his big sister Harley Kennealy will be his crew chief, under the guidance of Chris Greaney. It’s a safe bet that Joey will get his first career top 10 this Saturday. Note that the last time two brothers both finished in the top 10 of a race was last year at Roseville with Eric Nascimento, Jr. second and his little brother Ethan sixth.

No. 13 Tanner Reif (Central Coast Racing)

His third-place finish in January at KHKR is his best result on this oval. He led the race during the early laps before finally having to yield to Huddleston and Keller. But Tanner will be keen to secure his second victory of the season after the one obtained in Tucson. Michael Munoz will of course be his crew chief.

No. 19 Jake Bollman (Bill McAnally Racing)

Bollman has competed in the KHKR West Series once. It was in 2023, and he finished seventh for the High Point Racing team. He is the latest winner this season at Colorado. A historic victory, as it was the 100th for his Bill McAnally Racing team. As for Jake, it was his first, but certainly not his last, career win. Cayden Lapcevich will be his crew chief.

No. 23 Jaron Giannini (Clark Racing) 

In his only race at KHKR, Giannini finished seventh last October. He already drove the No. 23, but it was for Sigma Performance Services. This time it will be for Clark Racing. That said, he will use the same car since T.J. Clark is busy continuing in the West Series what he had created with Joe Farrè. SPS is now focused on the East Series with Tyler Reif as driver. Chris Bray was already Giannini’s crew chief last year. The team will be making its second race of the season. Indeed, Eric Rhead drove the Toyota in Colorado.

No. 50 Trevor Huddleston (High Point Racing) 

Championship leader since the first race of the season, here at KHKR last January, thanks to his victory, Huddleston will be one of the favorites to take the checkered flag. Especially since at KHKR he has impressive stats with nine top 10 finishes in nine races! Who can beat that? No one! Jeff Schrader will be his crew chief as usual.

No. 51 Blake Lothian (Strike Mamba Racing)

The young rookie continues to learn and improve race after race. As evidenced by these last two races, he earned his first two top-10 finishes, finishing ninth (Tucson) and eighth (Colorado) respectively. This is the first time he will be driving in the West Series on a track he already knows. In his first career race last January, he finished 11th. Al Lebert will be his crew chief for the first time. Until now, it was John Reaume, who remains as the car chief of the No. 51.

No. 55 Andrew Chapman (High Point Racing) 

On his home track, High Point Racing owner Tim Huddleston is fielding a second car for the first time this season. A West Series rookie will be driving the No. 55 entry: Andrew Chapman of Pasadena, CA. The 19-year-old has been a development driver for HPR since 2023 and drives in Spec Late Model and Late Model in the Zmax Cars Tour West Series since the last ywo seasons. He is familiar with the KHKR. He is also a mechanic for HPR and is currently an engineering student at UC Santa Cruz. He is also the CEO of Chapman Software Solutions INC. Experienced Travis Thirkettle will be his crew chief.

No. 68 P.J. Pedroncelli, Jr. (Rodd Racing)For his only race in 2024, P.J. was seen here in April at KHKR. Already driving for Rodd Racing, Rodd Kneeland’s team, he finished eighth. His best result at KHKR was a fifth place in 2022 from the pole position. Suffice to say that Pedroncelli is comfortable on this oval. Ty Joiner will be his crew chief. Note that following the sale of his cars (Pedroncelli Motorsports), P.J. is not sure he will be able to race in Sonoma unless he finds another team. Indeed, at Sonoma, Rodd Kneeland himself will drive his car.

No. 71 Kyle Keller (Jan’s Racing Team) 

Last January, Keller achieved his best career result by finishing second. So close to his first victory. He just finished second for a second time this season, this time in Colorado at the end of May. He wants his first victory, and he has all the cards in hand to get it this Saturday. Brian Kizer will obviously be his crew chief.

No. 72 Jonathan Reaume (Strike Mamba Racing)

The Canadian will be competing in his second race of the season after Phoenix, where he finished 25th. This will also be his first race at KHKR. Cody Denison and Holly Clark both achieved top-10 finishes in the No. 72. Reaume will have to do as well. Al Lebert will be his crew chief, who will manage both of the team’s cars.

Final notes

-Rodd Kneeland will drive the No. 68 himself at Sonoma. He has two chassis, one for short track and one for road track. His crew chief will be either Ty Joiner or Mike Naake. Naake Motorsports will assist Rodd Racing with car preparation and logistics.

-Performance P-1 Motorsports is not present at Bakersfield but will be at Sonoma with a driver to be announced soon.

-Fearce Creature Racing, Bobby Hillis, Jr.’s team, will not be present at Sonoma. The car was damaged during testing at a club race. It will be serviced, including the engine, at Ed Ash’s workshop in preparation for the Portland race.

CONCORD N.C. – This weekend, race engineers will be put to the test as the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series put rubber to the road in Mexico City.

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez racecourse has many unique features about it, one of which is its disposition above sea level. With an elevation of over 7,000 feet, the circuit lives in a thinner air pressure that affects the entire car. Among the differences will be changes in producing power, managing tire wear, fuel consumption and overheating.

But it all starts with the engine. And it’s up to the shop to provide a power source that’s reliable at elevation. That is why Scott Maxim, powertrain director at Hendrick Motorsports, is pushing his team to make the best eight engines (including customer) they possibly can ahead of the Cup Series inaugural race in Mexico. 

RELATED: Check out the Hendrick Motorsport paint schemes this week

With no current track on the calendar matching the unique properties that Mexico City presents, the engine team had a lot going against them ahead of this inaugural race. On top of the uniqueness, travel schedules required all cars to be completed prior to last weekend’s race at Michigan International Speedway. Pushing up an already tight deadline. 

“We don’t have a lot of reference points at a higher elevation for us to use as a guide,” Maxim said. “Sonoma (Calif.) is near sea level. Watkins Glen, which we race at in New York, is about 460 feet above sea level. None of the circuits are at a high elevation, so this will be all new to us.”

In order to stay competitive during the race, the team has to rely on their general road course knowledge and data from other racing series to help build the engines to withstand thin air pressure while also lasting the duration of the race.

“We’ll maintain the same build specification based on what we understand from the limited amount of driver simulation that we’ve been able to determine,” Maxim said when discussing how to build an engine for a new circuit. “There’s a broad RPM range that the engine will run. From as low as 3,500 RPM to our maximum allowed of 9,000 RPM, that’s a broad RPM range of nearly 6,000 RPM. Elevation does not play a factor into that. It is all about the RPM range.

“We look at the engines operating range of RPM and we look at the racetrack for where the power relative to corner exit down the straightaway is most optimized to be able to provide our drivers with passing opportunities. We want to provide them with the tools they need to do their job to their highest capability. We’ll look at that in terms of corner exit RPM down the straightaway and try and optimize the power band for the best competitive performance,” Maxim added.

RELATED: First to the party: Hendrick Motorsports’ history of success in inaugural races

There is a unique challenge when racing at such high altitudes. The engine has to accommodate more than just how fast the car is going. It has to be able to take in fuel to move the pistons, disperse power throughout the car, and endure a three-hour race at a track which requires high speeds and heavy braking. 

“The circuit is approximately 7,400 feet above sea level, so that in comparison to our typical road course that we race on is about a 22% reduction in air density and with that reduction, we have a near equal amount of power loss. The fuel consumption will be near equal to what that is,” Maxim said.

“The air is 22% less dense and therefore a naturally aspirated engine like the one we run in the NASCAR Cup Series and the Xfinity Series will produce a corresponding percentage of less power as a result of the air density decrease. We will also use a near equal amount of reduced fuel, so we’ll see a significant amount of fuel reduction. We have to tune accordingly for the reduced air density, and we’ve had to make adjustments in our calibration to better match the lower air density of Mexico City,” Maxim followed up.

“In addition to all of that, the air density decrease also has an impact on our cooling systems that are reliant upon the airflow from the racecar, so engine cooling, water and oil cooling, transaxle and driver cooling are impacted by the air density. We’ve got to make adjustments there in our cooling systems to allow for better airflow to try and overcome that reduced efficiency,” Maxim concluded.

Thankfully for the teams, NASCAR is allowing two practice sessions this weekend to compensate for the unknowns. Maxim plans on taking full advantage of both. 

“We welcome the fact that we get two practices. The first is 50 minutes long and the second being 20, will allow us to do some additional confirmation and fine tuning,” Maxim said.

Despite the obstacles of racing outside the U.S. at a new circuit that is unlike anything the Cup Series has raced on previously; Maxim and his team are happy that NASCAR is getting its name out to newer audiences. 

“I think it’s great for NASCAR and our sport and our sponsors to showcase our race team and all the work and dedication that go into our cars and engines,” Maxim said. “I think it is great for us, and I welcome that. Showcasing our teams, drivers and cars to more people is a positive.”

You can watch all four Hendrick Motorports drivers put these engines to the test this weekend. Catch the main event at 3 p.m. ET Sunday, June 15 on Prime Video.

Ford Motor Company has revealed two of its key building blocks for its boldest endurance racing initiative in decades. The Dearborn icon confirmed its long-awaited return to the top tier of international sports car racing in 2027, and has now unveiled two essential components of its upcoming FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar effort: a technical partnership with renowned French chassis constructor ORECA, and the appointment of motorsports veteran Dan Sayers to lead the program.

In an announcement made on Friday at Le Mans, at the largest gathering of racing Mustangs ever assembled at the Circuit de la Sarthe for two Invitational Challenge support races in which he’s competing, Ford President and CEO Jim Farley delivered his announcement with conviction: The goal is clear, Ford is coming back to win Le Mans.

“Bringing Ford back to the top class at Le Mans has always been a dream for many of us, including our Executive Chair Bill Ford,” said Farley. “To be able to partner with ORECA is a proud moment for Ford. We are coming back to Le Mans to win, and we aren’t making that a secret.”

Ford’s rivalry at Le Mans with Ferrari is one of the most iconic in motorsports history. It began in the 1960s when Ford, spurned by a failed attempt to purchase Ferrari, launched an all-out assault on Le Mans. With the GT40, Ford toppled Ferrari’s dominance, famously going 1-2-3 in 1966 and winning four consecutive times through 1969. That era redefined American ambition in international motorsports, and was rekindled by the 2019 blockbuster racing movie Ford v Ferrari, which starred Matt Damon and Christian Bale.

The fact that Ferrari has won the past two editions of Le Mans might just have been the trigger to renew their epic rivalry, while its domestic nemesis, General Motors, scored a front row lockout for this year’s running via its Cadillac brand on Thursday night.

“On Sunday, it will be exactly 56 years since we last took the top step of the overall podium here,” added Farley. “That is long enough. In 2027, we are coming with the same level of expectation, and we are entrusting ORECA to help us take on Ferrari and the other top-class teams as we did back in the 1960s.”

While Ford returned to the race in the GTE-Pro ranks in 2016 with class victory at Le Mans, and more recently with Mustang GT3 entries, this new Hypercar project re-establishes the brand’s intent to once again fight for outright victory once more. As the selected chassis partner, ORECA brings a competitive track record to the effort. 

Founded by Hugues de Chaunac in 1973, the French engineering powerhouse has amassed nearly 240 wins in LMP2 competition, including 10 straight Le Mans victories in the category. Their presence in Hypercar, already supporting multiple manufacturers, makes them a natural partner to produce a serious contender for the Blue Oval.

“We are honored that Ford has chosen ORECA to design the future WEC Hypercar for their return to the top tier of endurance racing,” said de Chaunac. “This strategic partnership is a key part of our ongoing commitment to the highest level of racing, and to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

Steering the technical direction of the program will be Dan Sayers, a respected name in international motorsport with a career spanning Formula 1, WEC and World Rally Championship. Sayers joins Ford from Red Bull Ford Powertrains, where he played a key role in the development of the 2026-spec F1 hybrid power unit. He previously served as Technical Director at Aston Martin Racing, where he was instrumental in the design of the V12 Vantage and multiple Le Mans class victories.

“To lead Ford back to its spiritual home at Le Mans was a challenge I could not turn down,” said Sayers. “Having previously led Aston Martin to multiple Le Mans class victories, the opportunity to take overall honors with Ford is something very special.”

Steering the technical direction of the program will be Dan Sayers, a respected name in international motorsport with a career spanning Formula 1, WEC and World Rally Championship. Sayers joins Ford from Red Bull Ford Powertrains, where he played a key role in the development of the 2026-spec F1 hybrid power unit. He previously served as Technical Director at Aston Martin Racing, where he was instrumental in the design of the V12 Vantage and multiple Le Mans class victories.

His appointment underscores the program’s seriousness – Ford is clearly recruiting from the top shelf to ensure every component, from engineering to execution, is ready for the pressures of Le Mans.

Ford’s return in 2027 isn’t just a nostalgic play; it’s a strategic re-entry into the highest echelon of motorsport at a time when the Hypercar class is attracting an unprecedented level of manufacturer engagement. The convergence of luxury, heritage, and performance embodied by this program makes it especially compelling to collectors and motorsport devotees alike.

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Source: Ford

After weathering a turbulent rookie campaign with Spire Motorsports that ended in a 30th-place finish in the standings, Zane Smith knows full well that breaking into the NASCAR Cup Series is no easy feat. Reflecting on that maiden voyage, which he bluntly described as a “bad luck year,” Smith now appears to have found more stable footing in Year Two.

Ready for his run in Mexico, the Front Row Motorsports driver was asked to assess his season to date. “It’s been pretty fun. I’m probably having the most fun I’ve ever had throughout my racing career, and the last time I think I said that was in 2022 with FRM. It’s been great. Being able to get that pole was really cool. I feel like we’ve thrown away a lot of top 10s and possible top fives,” Smith said.

The numbers back him up. Through 15 races last year, Smith had just three top-20 finishes and failed to crack the top 10. This season, he’s flipped the script, scoring ten top-20s, including a pair of top-10s, showing clear signs of growth and consistency.

“I feel like we’re getting ourselves closer and closer to putting ourselves in contention for a race win on Sunday,” he noted. Smith didn’t sugarcoat the struggles of his rookie year but emphasized that he’s been chipping away, focused on execution, and maximizing every opportunity.

Having spent two prior years with FRM in the Truck Series, Smith added, “It’s been awesome being back at FRM and being teammates with two really close friends.”

His history with Front Row and the Ford camp runs deep. Smith recalled building special memories on the Truck side and now hopes to forge more on NASCAR’s biggest stage, this time, with a Sunday spotlight.

Yet the journey hasn’t come without heartbreak. After a grueling 2024, Spire Motorsports chose not to renew his contract. Instead, they signed Michael McDowell to a multi-year deal in May 2024 to pilot the #71, effectively closing the door on Smith’s return.

Caught in limbo during the offseason, Smith admitted, “It’s been an absolutely miserable three-four months, I’m just figuring out what’s next.” That uncertainty finally ended when Front Row Motorsports handed him a chance.

Now part of a refreshed FRM trio alongside Todd Gilliland and Noah Gragson, Smith finds himself competing under a cloud of legal scrutiny. The team, currently locked in an antitrust battle with NASCAR, has been treading carefully after scoring an early legal win.

However, with the pendulum swinging back in NASCAR’s favor, and mounting pressure on 23XI Racing and FRM alike, the road ahead for Smith and his teammates could once again be lined with obstacles.