“So proud”: Zane Smith gets words of appreciation from wife following top 5 finish at Watkins Glen

Zane Smith may not be in the playoffs, but his impressive P5 finish at Watkins Glen was more than just a personal victory; it could potentially pave the way for new opportunities next season. His wife, McCall Smith, publicly commended his efforts through a social media post, celebrating his second top-5 finish in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Starting his career in the top tier of NASCAR just last year, 2024 marks Zane Smith's rookie season in the Cup Series. Before this, he was active in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he secured a P7 finish in the overall standings while also making part-time appearances for RSS Racing in the Xfinity Series.

After his latest race, where he advanced from a starting position of P19 to a top-five finish, navigating through P18 in Stage 1 and P13 in Stage 2, McCall Smith expressed pride for her husband. She took to her official X handle writing:

"P5!!! Great weekend for Zane and his 71 team. Overcame a speeding penalty, didn’t give up and drove up through the field. So proud. 🩵"

Zane Smith's last appearance at Watkins Glen was in 2021, competing in the Truck Series where he piloted the #21 Chevy for GMS Racing, securing a P6 finish after starting P8. Recently, Trackhouse Racing announced that Smith would not be part of their lineup for the 2025 season, opting to part ways with him.

To date, Smith has not secured a position with any Cup teams to pilot a Next Gen car. However, according to FOX Sports' Bob Pockrass, there's speculation that he could be a potential fit for Kaulig Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, potentially taking the wheel of the available #16 car.

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Zane Smith and his replacement Michael McDowell get into a heated argument post-Watkins Glen

Zane Smith and his upcoming replacement, Michael McDowell, found themselves embroiled in a heated debate after the conclusion of the Go Bowling! at the Watkins Glen. McDowell, poised to take over Smith's #71 car next season, expressed discontent following a contentious on-track encounter during the race’s overtime finish, where they vied for a top-five position.

The conflict ignited as they approached the white flag; Smith forced McDowell's #34 Ford Mustang wide on the track, deftly maneuvering to pass him on the inside. McDowell retaliated by pushing Smith’s #71 into Turn 1 during the next lap, narrowing his line through the esses.

Zane Smith ultimately finished fifth, while Michael McDowell, who had been in contention for his first top-five finish at the track, dropped to seventh on the final circuit. Upset by the aggressive move that jeopardized his finish, McDowell confronted Smith post-race to discuss the contentious maneuver.