Trackhouse Racing has made a significant move by adding a third charter to its Cup Series team, a development that was almost inevitable given their roster of drivers. However, this expansion has triggered major changes in the team’s lineup. Shane van Gisbergen has been tapped to drive the newly established No. 88 car starting in 2025, while Zane Smith, who had secured a multi-year deal just last year, found himself unexpectedly out of the lineup.
For Zane Smith, this turn of events is a tough pill to swallow. He didn’t get a real opportunity to demonstrate his skills with the team before being moved to Spire Motorsports. There, he is set to pilot the No. 71 car in 2024—a challenging role with a relatively new team. Despite this setback, there might be a silver lining on the horizon for Smith, as there are rumors that 23XI Racing, co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, could be interested in bringing him on board if their expansion plans come to fruition.
The possibility of Zane Smith joining 23XI Racing isn’t entirely far-fetched. While Hamlin generally avoids interfering with other teams’ business dealings, he shares a strong rapport with Smith. Hamlin has openly admitted that he offers guidance to Smith, and it was he who revealed that Smith had passed up some lucrative opportunities last year to remain with Trackhouse Racing. Although that choice has now backfired, Hamlin still believes that Smith hasn’t yet reached his full potential. “I think you have not seen the best of Zane Smith yet,” Hamlin commented, expressing confidence that Smith could still secure a prime spot in the Cup Series despite the challenges he’s faced.
As it stands, 23XI Racing might provide Smith with a much-needed second chance to showcase his abilities at the top level of NASCAR. With the possibility of expanding their current two-car setup to three cars in 2025, Hamlin and Jordan could potentially offer Smith a lifeline. However, with only one charter currently available in the market, time is of the essence. While Front Row Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing have already secured additional charters, and Gene Haas has reserved one for his new venture, Haas Factory Team, 23XI Racing will need to act quickly if they want to bring Smith into the fold. The current price for a charter is estimated to be between $25-30 million, so the decision will require a significant financial commitment.
Trackhouse Racing’s decision to replace Smith with Shane van Gisbergen has sparked some controversy, but it may prove to be a wise move. Van Gisbergen, who hails from New Zealand, brings considerable talent to the team, particularly with the increasing number of road course races in the Cup Series. He made a stunning debut in NASCAR by winning the Chicago Street Race and has continued to excel in the Xfinity Series, where he drives the No. 97 car for Kaulig Racing. So far, he has secured three victories, all on road courses, making him the driver with the most road course wins this season.
By betting on van Gisbergen’s expertise in road course racing, Trackhouse Racing is positioning itself to secure a playoff spot, which is especially critical given the struggles of their other star drivers in 2024. Moreover, van Gisbergen has quickly become a fan favorite in NASCAR, and his promotion to the Cup Series is likely to boost his profile even further. Increased visibility for both the driver and the team translates to more sponsorship opportunities, which are crucial for any team’s long-term viability.
Overall, this bold strategy by Trackhouse Racing could pay off significantly in the coming years, solidifying their place as a formidable competitor in NASCAR. The upcoming season will be crucial in determining whether these moves elevate both Shane van Gisbergen and the team to new heights in the sport.
Denny Hamlin Could Save Trackhouse Reject’s Failing Cup Career Amid $30M+ Expansion Talks
