Trackhouse Racing will part ways with Zane Smith following the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, the team announced. Smith, 25, currently drives for Spire Motorsports under an alliance with Trackhouse.
A former Craftsman Truck Series champion, Smith signed a contract to join Trackhouse last September. His No. 71 entry at Spire is under the charter previously owned by Live Fast Motorsports. Spire bought the charter for around $40 million, according to reports.
Smith has a pair of top 10s in his rookie Cup season, including a runner-up in the wild Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway that went to a NASCAR-record five overtime attempts. He’s 33rd in the championship standings.
“Obviously, I am disappointed that I’ve been put in a tough spot,” a statement posted by Smith read. “I am diligently exploring quality driving opportunities and hope to quickly wrap up my plans for next year. Meanwhile, kudos to our No. 71 Cup team. We’ve turned our year around this summer with six top-20 finishes in the last ten races, which included a top-10 last weekend and a runner-up finish in Nashville.
“With more determination than ever, I will continue to do what I know best and that is to work hard, race my heart out and prove myself. Thank you to everyone that has and continues to stand behind me.”
Trackhouse confirmed that Smith is free to seek other opportunities in 2025. While Spire has seats open next year, reports indicate that Smith is one of the favorites to take the third car at Front Row Motorsports – the organization where he spent two seasons in the Truck Series.