Zane Smith, the defending champion of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, will join Trackhouse Racing on a multi-year contract, one that will see the Huntington Beach, California native compete in the NASCAR Cup Series starting in 2024.
The 24-year-old driver won’t be competing for Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series right away, though, but rather drive a third entry for Spire Motorsports, with a charter that the organization is reported to have acquired from Live Fast Motorsports.
“This is an incredible moment for me,” said Smith. “Trackhouse is one of the most progressive organizations in the garage. I told some friends a year ago that I wanted to be a part of what Trackhouse is doing and I just can’t believe this is all coming true. I am very excited and thankful to have a future with the organization.”
NEWS: @ZaneSmith is in The House!
We’ve signed him for a multi-year driver agreement. pic.twitter.com/E65QpSOzPi
— Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) September 16, 2023
As part of the newfound relationship, Trackhouse Racing and Spire Motorsports will enter an alliance for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, and beyond. The move comes as Trackhouse Racing says it aims to field three full-time entries in 2025.
“Expansion is not something to be taken lightly, but we feel Trackhouse is commercially and technically positioned for growth,” said Trackhouse founder and owner Justin Marks. “You need good timing, very good partners, and great drivers. Adding Zane is like signing the No. 1 draft pick and we are proud that he is now a member of the Trackhouse family.”
Considered one of NASCAR’s most talented up-and-comers, Smith is currently in the midst of his fourth full-time season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he is looking to go back-to-back in the title fight with Front Row Motorsports.
Throughout his climb up the ranks of NASCAR’s National Series, Smith has competed with several championship-winning organization, including JR Motorsports and GMS Racing, leading him to his debut at NASCAR’s top-level last season in a fill-in role for RFK Racing.
Continuing his relationship with Front Row Motorsports, Smith has run a part-time schedule in the NASCAR Cup Series in the No. 38 Ford Mustang, scoring a career-best finish of 10th-place in the Coca-Cola 600.
“The Cup series is the pinnacle of racing in America, and I cannot wait to compete, learn, and hone my skills against the best in the world. I am really looking forward to working with the Spire Motorsports team in 2024 and believe the alliance with Trackhouse will help continue Spire’s ascent up the grid,” added the 2022 NCTS champion.
Additional details surrounding the NASCAR Cup Series entry for Zane Smith, including a car number, personnel, and sponsorship for the entry, will be announced at a later date.
“Spire Motorsports will acquire a NASCAR charter from Live Fast Motorsports prior to the 2024 season and we’re thrilled to offer our support to Trackhouse Racing, a key member of the Chevrolet family,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “Spire has a longstanding relationship with Justin Marks and we are proud of everything he and all the men and women at Trackhouse have accomplished in a relatively short time.”
This season, Spire Motorsports fields two full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series for drivers Corey LaJoie and Ty Dillon. While LaJoie will return to the No. 7 Chevrolet for multiple years, Dillon’s status with the organization is unknown.
“This cooperative agreement is also proof-positive of the hard work of everyone at Spire Motorsports. We certainly wouldn’t be in this position without Mr. Hendrick and the competition group at Hendrick Motorsports so we continue to be grateful for that relationship. T.J. and I are also grateful to B.J. McLeod and Matt Tifft for working with us on the charter acquisition. We’re looking at a watershed moment for our organization that further demonstrates our commitment to the sport.”
Shortly after the announcement, a statement from Live Fast Motorsports was released, which reads: “Live Fast Motorsports is confirming they have sold their charter to Spire Motorsports. We will address the media in the coming time for further statements.”
