AUSTIN, Texas — It was a repeat of last season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Circuit of The Americas, as Zane Smith celebrated another victory in the XPEL 225.
Smith, aboard the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford, surged ahead by over five seconds after the final restart with 13 laps remaining on the 3.41-mile road course.
“Shout out to Chris Lawson for an amazing strategy,” Smith said. “So cool for Speedco, Peak and all our partners. It was fast when it mattered. I just enjoy coming to all the road courses, especially here. So cool. Just a true testament to this team.”
“Once we got to that eight-to-go point and I was told Kyle [Busch] was in second, my heart rate went up a little bit, just because he’s so good at managing his stuff when it mattered,” Smith continued. “So, I just tried not to make any mistakes.”
Behind Smith, NASCAR Cup Series star Kyle Busch rebounded after being trapped into pitting before the final restart. Busch restarted 17th, though was able to work his way back up to the runner-up spot.
At the end of Stage Two, Smith went to pit lane, while Busch stayed out to extend his tire run. Unfortunately for Busch, Parker Kligerman stalled on the track moments after the end of the stage, bringing out a caution and sending Busch behind the drivers who had already pit for service.
It was the first NASCAR national series event since 2016 not to feature cautions for stage ends, a new procedure introduced for most road courses on the Truck Series circuit.
Behind the front two, Ty Majeski, Tyler Ankrum, and Ross Chastain rounded out the top five.
It’s the second victory of the year for Smith, who won the season-opener at Daytona too – the same first two victories he earned in his 2022 championship season as well.