While many have been welcoming Trackhouse Racing’s decision, a young, talented driver is on the harsh end of this appointment. Amongst the celebrations of Van Gisbergen fans upon the arrival of their favorite racer in the Cup Series, there are many people skeptical about this decision. Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing has now joined these people. The no.11 is still trying to make sense of what looks like an absurd decision from Trackhouse Racing.
Denny Hamlin feels for the tough situation Zane Smith is in
With Trackhouse Racing’s decision to bring in Shane Van Gisbergen for their new car, the 25-year-old racer Zane Smith has been sacked by the team. The youngster was serving a loan spell at Spire Motorsports for the 2024 season. Trackhouse Racing signed a multi-year contract deal with Smith in 2023 and the racer hoped to settle down and focus on his performances. But this sudden termination has forced him to re-think about the options for his future in the Cup Series.
Someone seemingly most affected by this sudden news is Denny Hamlin. The no.11 for Joe Gibbs Racing has seen Zane Smith‘s abilities as a racer over the years. Expressing his views on Smith’s unfortunate sacking on ‘Actions Detrimental’ for Dale Jr’s Dirty Mo Media, the 43-year-old said, “Man that you know this certainly puts a tough spot on Zane because you know he had a long-term future at Trackhouse. He foregoed other opportunities in Cup Series to take this opportunity with Trackhouse and then when you get let go you’ve then lost out on your other opportunities. And so not ideal for Zane Smith and certainly I would back Zane when it comes to what you know what the future might hold.”
Despite Smith’s future currently in the realm of uncertainty, Hamlin praised the youngster’s impeccable driving abilities. Highlighting the unexplored potential in his career, and assessing the future of Zane Smith, Hamlin further added, “I think he’s coming into his own. I think you’ve not seen the best Zane Smith yet you’re only starting to see now what he can do. I think he’s had some really great finishes. Again they were one of the teams that they were really bad at the beginning of the year. Terrible, terrible! And then they’ve turned the corner. They’re starting to get going and now Zane’s got to kind of regroup and where to go with his career from here. So I think he’s a good enough talent that he is going to get a good opportunity, a winning opportunity somewhere. I hope it’s in the cup.”
Only time will tell whether Smith will get an opportunity in the cup series. But with his departure now imminent, Shane Van Gisbergen will now drive the no.88 Chevrolet Camaro XL1 for Trackhouse Racing. The car is historic in NASCAR racing, because of its long association primarily with NASCAR veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr. The former racer drove the no.88 for nine years in his professional career, securing as many wins in different races. Before him, the no.88 also had a connection with former NASCAR racers Dale Jarrett, Bobby Allison, and Buck Baker.
However, as Zane Smith begins his search to find a new roster, there are several teams heavily linked with the youngster. Some of these teams had previous associations with Smith during the various stages of his career.
Zane Smith’s career had its fair share of twists and turns until now. This is the reason why his contract termination at Trackhouse Racing is not an irreversible dent in his career. Several teams are linked with Zane Smith. however, in all possibilities, Spire Motorsports can make him a permanent racer in their team. His loan period at Spire Motorsports has been effective. The 2024 season brought several top-10 finishes for Smith, including the latest one at Michigan International Speedway. The arrival of Michael McDowell is now imminent and the 7,71,77 will hope to find the perfect balance in their team.
If the loan move to Spire Motorsports doesn’t become permanent, the 25-year-old also has offers from other teams. Kaulig Racing is one such team, heavily linked with Smith of late. After their average performance in the 2024 season, Smith can go to Kaulig Racing as a replacement driver for the no.16. Front Row Motorsports, too, is not far behind. FMR has an imminent vacancy and previous ties with Smith dating back to his Craftsman Truck Series days. However, which among these teams will ultimately go for the 25-year-old is a question for the future!
What are your thoughts on Denny Hamlin’s words towards Zane Smith? Do you think the youngster will end up having a decent team in the cup series next season? Tell us your thoughts in the comments down below.
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