Zane Smith has signed a multiyear contract with Trackhouse Racing for its NASCAR Cup Series program, the team revealed in a series of statements on Saturday.
Smith will race in the 2024 Cup Series under Spire Motorsports with the intention of becoming a full member of Trackhouse Racing in 2025. Spire acquired a third charter from Live Fast Motorsports and partnered with Trackhouse.
Following the extensions of Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez, Trackhouse Racing will field two full-time entries for the upcoming season. The outfit started as a one-car team in 2021 with Suarez and expanded to a two-car squad the following year.
Chastain helped the team finish second in the championship, as each of its drivers won three races.
Smith, who is the current champion in the Craftsman Truck Series, has been driving for four seasons in the all-truck series. He is currently defending his championship with Front Row Motorsports.
Smith has featured in seven Cup Series races, with his first start dating back to June 2022 in St. Louis as Chris Buescher’s replacement at RRK Racing. Smith finished 17th in the race.
“This is an incredible moment for me,” Smith said. “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.
“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.”
Combining his starts at Front Row Motorsports and Rick Ware Racing, Smith has made a total of six appearances this season, placing 10th with Front Row in the Coca-Cola 600.
This comes after Shane van Gisbergen signed up a development contract with Trackhouse Racing earlier this week. The New Zealander is scheduled to participate in all three national series next season.
