Chandler Smith shares unfiltered emotions about uncertain future amid Truck Series deal

Rising NASCAR star Chandler Smith has opened up about his uncertain future in motorsport, revealing that he came close to not having a ride for the 2025 season before getting signed by Front Row Motorsports for the Truck Series.

The revelation came during an interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, where Smith discussed his new opportunity with FRM's expanding truck program. The announcement, made on December 20, 2024, marks a significant development in NASCAR's Silly Season, as Smith was considered one of the most valuable free agents available.

"At one point, there was a path where I wasn't even racing next year," Smith admitted in the interview.

"For me to even be in the top 3 NASCAR series, still be able to be in a winning truck like Front Row Motorsports and being part of a bigger organization like them and also a bigger picture to start second truck team means the world to me," he added.

The move comes after Smith's successful stint in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2024, where he secured victories at Phoenix and Richmond, alongside six pole positions and an impressive fifth-place championship finish. His departure from JGR was first hinted at during a post-race interview with Bob Pockrass at Homestead in October, though Smith maintained silence about his future plans at the time.

Smith's racing career to this point has been marked by consistent success across multiple NASCAR series. The 22-year-old from Talking Rock, Georgia, previously competed in the Craftsman Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports, where he amassed five victories and advanced to the Championship 4 in 2022. His rookie Truck Series season in 2021 saw him claim two wins, including a dramatic victory at Bristol Motor Speedway during the Round of 10 and a season-ending triumph at Phoenix Raceway.

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Chandler Smith returning to Front Row could spark championship run in 2025

The transition to Front Row Motorsports places Chandler Smith in a program known for developing talented drivers. The organization has built a strong reputation in the Truck Series, launching the careers of Todd Gilliland and Zane Smith.

"I'm really excited about being a part of Front Row Motorsports as a Front Row driver," Smith said.

"I got the phone call from Jerry Freeze probably two days ago today. Hopefully, I can knock the rust off and go truck racing and start out with a bang in Daytona. The truck schedule for this coming up year is great," he went on to add.

Smith will join forces with 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rookie of the Year winner Layne Riggs, who finished 11th in points last season. While his truck number remains unannounced, the pairing creates an impressive lineup for FRM's expanded two-truck operation, with both drivers capable of contending for wins and the championship in 2025.