Chandler Smith will not return to Front Row Motorsports after the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, bringing to a close a two‑year stint that delivered four victories and turned the No. 38 entry into a genuine championship contender.
The 24‑year‑old from Talking Rock, Georgia, burst onto the national stage in 2025, quickly establishing himself among the series’ elite with a string of strong performances that culminated in wins at Daytona and North Wilkesboro this year.
His partnership with Front Row Motorsports produced a total of four triumphs, a statistic that the team highlighted in a statement thanking Smith for his contributions and noting the impact on the program’s growth.
A pivotal moment for the lineup
Industry insiders have begun to link Smith to a potential seat in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series with Richard Childress Racing in 2027, a move that would follow Jesse Love’s announced transition to the Cup Series with Wood Brothers Racing and create a vacancy in RCR’s lineup.
Smith’s résumé already includes three victories in the O’Reilly Series earned while competing for Kaulig Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing, underscoring his versatility and experience on intermediate and short‑track layouts.
While no official agreement has been announced, multiple reports suggest that the driver’s recent performances have made him a prime candidate for the opening, and fans are eagerly watching for any further developments.
The upcoming months will be crucial for Smith, whose next steps could reshape the competitive landscape of the Truck Series and the developmental feeder series alike.
Team executives at Front Row Motorsports have indicated that they will focus on nurturing emerging talent for the next chapter, even as they await official confirmation of Smith’s future plans.