"We were at one of our lowest" - McCall Smith reflects on Zane Smith's breakthrough in 2024 NASCAR Season

Zane Smith's wife, McCall Smith (maiden name Gaulding), recently touched upon her husband's 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. In one of her social media stories, the latter reflected on how the former had a topsy-turvy season this year and how it was one to remember.

Smith competed in the 2024 season with Spire Motorsports, driving the #71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 under full-time obligation. Smith's contract had an alliance with Trackhouse Racing. Besides this, he also raced under a part-time obligation in the Truck Series, driving the #91 Chevrolet Silverado for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing.

McCall Smith was out on a road trip recently, and this was when she asked her followers to ask questions on Instagram. The followers asked her numerous questions. In one of them, a fan asked, "What was both of your favorite moments of this race season?"

To which she replied by posting a photo of them in the story,

"Mine has to be Nashville where Zane almost won his first Cup race!" You go through some low times in this sport and we were definitely at one of our lowest until this moment. Watching this weekend be the pivotal point in his season was special!"

She added:

"Always so proud of Zane, what he does on the track but most importantly, off. No matter what he has going on behind the scenes, he is still going to be Zane, work his ass off and be the best human he can be."

McCall Smith's Instagram story. Credit: instagram.com/mccallkelli

Notably, Zane Smith finished the Ally 400 held at Nashville Superspeedway on June 30th, 2024 in second place. He was denied the victory by Team Penske driver Joey Logano (2024 Cup Series champion).

Smith started the race in 36th place after an underwhelming session in the qualifying. However, a brilliant comeback from him put him in second place, after he was 0.068 seconds slower than Logano in crossing the checkered flag.

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Zane Smith unsure about his NASCAR future

During the mid-2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, Trackhouse Racing announced that they would part ways with Zane Smith at the end of the season. Smith was on loan to Spire Motorsports, and in place of him, the team decided to bring in Australian stock car racing driver Shane van Gisbergen.

Zane Smith (71) during practice for the NASCAR Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

As Smith lost his seat, he was asked about his plans for the sport. To which he answered in an interview with Frontstretch,

“I’m not sure."

The 25-year-old finished the season in 30th place with 505 points under his belt. He registered two Top 5s, four Top 10s, and faced five DNFs. He was able to lead only six laps this season, and his average start position was 26.083, compared to his average finish position of 23.194.