Chandler Smith Secures Full-Time NASCAR Drive After Joe Gibbs Racing Exit

Chandler Smith has secured a full-time drive with Front Row Motorsports in the NASCAR Truck Series for the 2025 season after his exit from Joe Gibbs Racing.

Smith, who had a commendable performance in the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series with JGR, has found a new home following a season full of strong finishes but ultimately without a championship win.

Born in 2001, Chandler Smith has steadily built his reputation within the NASCAR world, growing through the ranks of the sport. During the 2024 season with JGR he drove the #81 Toyota and secured victories at Phoenix and Richmond.

In addition to this, Smith celebrated 17 top-five finishes, leading numerous laps across various tracks. Despite his strong showing, the championship remained elusive, prompting Smith to change direction.

With the conclusion of his season at JGR, Smith faced the reality of limited opportunities for advancement within the team. JGR’s competitive environment offered Smith invaluable experience but ultimately not the room for growth he had hoped for. This realization led Smith to contemplate leaving racing altogether in favor of exploring business ventures with his father. However, the opportunity to join Front Row Motorsports in their expanded truck program presented a timely career revival.

Front Row Motorsports has steadily built its reputation within NASCAR, particularly within the Truck Series. Commenting on his upcoming move, Smith explained:

“I’m excited to join Front Row Motorsports truck program. They are a top contender in the Truck Series and have proven so with championships and wins. I like what they are building here and am honored to have the opportunity to add to it. We are getting a bit of a late start, but I am excited about the caliber of talent we are talking to in being a part of this program for 2025.”

FRM has yet to finalize specifics regarding the truck number, partner lineup, and crew, but Smith’s involvement already reveals the intent to strengthen their standing in the series. The first test of this new partnership is scheduled for the Fresh from Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway, where Smith will make his debut for FRM.