Zane Smith Faces Uphill Battle at Phoenix After NASCAR Penalty
Zane Smith’s promising start to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season hit a snag at Phoenix Raceway. The No. 38 Front Row Motorsports driver will start Sunday’s Straight Talk Wireless 500 from the rear of the field and serve a pass-through penalty on pit road after his team made unapproved adjustments to the car’s underbody during practice.
Underbody Adjustments Lead to Penalties
NASCAR officials discovered the unapproved modifications during inspection prior to practice. According to NASCAR Communications, the No. 38 team was observed making the adjustment during practice/pre-qualifying preparations. The vehicle underwent reinspection before qualifying, but the penalty was still assessed.
Impact on Smith’s Race and Team
Smith, who qualified 24th, will now start 37th and is expected to fall a lap down early in the race due to the pass-through penalty. This setback comes after a strong beginning to the season, where he secured a sixth-place finish at the Daytona 500 and seventh at EchoPark Speedway. He currently sits 14th in the championship standings.
Car Chief Ejected
Adding to the team’s challenges, car chief Will Norris has been ejected from Phoenix Raceway for the remainder of the race weekend. This leaves a significant void in the team’s leadership during the race.
Smith’s 2026 Season So Far
Prior to the penalty, Smith’s 2026 campaign showed considerable potential. He transitioned to Front Row Motorsports after a successful run in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, where he won the championship in 2022. Even as still seeking his first Cup Series win, Smith has demonstrated consistent performance with three top-five finishes and eleven top-10s across his career.
Looking Ahead
Despite the adversity, Smith remains determined to compete. He has shown the ability to run near the front, as evidenced by his strong finishes in the season’s opening races. Overcoming the penalty at Phoenix will be a significant test, but his early-season performance suggests he has the potential to contend for wins as the season progresses.
FAQ
What penalty did Zane Smith receive?
Zane Smith will start at the rear of the field and serve a pass-through penalty during the race.
Why was Zane Smith penalized?
His team made unapproved adjustments to the underbody of the car during practice/pre-qualifying.
Who else was penalized?
Car chief Will Norris was ejected from the Phoenix race weekend.
What is Zane Smith’s current position in the standings?
He is currently 14th in the NASCAR Cup Series championship standings.
Did you realize? Zane Smith won the 2022 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championship driving for Front Row Motorsports before moving to the Cup Series.
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