Zane Smith was looking to capitalize right out of the gate during Friday’s Toyota 200 at World Wide Technology Raceway, with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Serie Playoffs now in full swing.
After leading some laps and running up front early on, a mechanical issue would send the No. 21 to the garage early. Smith was battling a brake issue for most of the race, but the final kill shot was a totally separate issue.
Another issue for a #NASCARPlayoffs driver!
@zanesmith77 reports a brake problem! pic.twitter.com/0UXyQgyuW1
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) August 21, 2021
Smith explained to Fox Sports, “Yeah, we had just came off turn four, and actually, I hadn’t been shifting at that end, so it would make more sense if it happened off of [turn] 2, but I don’t know. Something in the transmission is busted out of it. I had no gears there, so, really unfortunate. Of course, right in the Playoffs. I don’t know. I guess go win Bristol or Darlington.”
Following a red flag for a power outage, Smith rolled off second, behind his teammate Sheldon Creed. Driver No. 2 has swept both stages thus far in the Toyota 200.
The 22-year-old now turns his attention to Darlington in September to bounce back and lock himself into the next round.
