Zane Smith contributed with a solid 17th in place of Chris Buescher at Gateway. (Photo: Stephen Conley | The Podium Finish)
When Zane Smith was tabbed as the fill in driver in place of Chris Buescher’s No. 17 RFK Racing Ford Mustang on Thursday, little did he realize how his weekend would turn out.
After tallying a fifth in the Truck race at Charlotte, the Truck title contender worked ardently for another weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway. However, his plans changed when Chris Buescher tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.
Suddenly, the 22-year-old racer prepared for a whirlwind weekend that he’ll likely never forget.
Been a crazy 24+ hours, completely different than anything I’ve ever driven. Each lap I’m learning a ton & having a lot of fun in the process. Ended my first cup practice p26. Cup garage is a whole new level. I can’t thank @RFKracing enough for allowing me to be a part of it!
— Zane Smith (@zanesmith77) June 4, 2022
Posting the 26th fastest time in Friday’s 50 minute practice session, Smith posted the 32nd quickest time in qualifying. Undoubtedly, Smith’s task was to bring the No. 17 Acronis Ford Mustang home in one piece.
Beyond putting a clean race together, the Huntington Beach, California native was elated about his NASCAR Cup Series debut, even with the unique circumstances.
Been a crazy 24+ hours, completely different than anything I’ve ever driven. Each lap I’m learning a ton & having a lot of fun in the process. Ended my first cup practice p26. Cup garage is a whole new level. I can’t thank @RFKracing enough for allowing me to be a part of it!
— Zane Smith (@zanesmith77) June 4, 2022
Starting 32nd in Sunday’s Enjoy Illinois 300, Smith bided his time, placing 30th in stage 1 and 22nd in stage 2. The Californian, with veteran guidance from crew chief, Scott Graves, kept his nose clean, stayed out of trouble and picked up on the nuances of Cup racing with poise and maturity.
Likewise, Smith had to acclimate to the more powerful, tenacious Cup cars, a bit of a different animal compared to his No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Certainly, Smith kept out of harm’s way on Sunday. (Photo: Stephen Conley | The Podium Finish)
Sure, Smith did not make a lot of headline noise in a race filled with plentiful angst and frustration. However, his steadfast, unassuming driving netted an impressive, respectable 17th place finish when all was said and done. Notably, he finished three spots ahead of Brad Keselowski, driver and owner of RFK Racing.
“I’m super happy with that finish, especially after the beginning,” Smith said per a press release from RFK Racing. “These guys are so good and it was just fun to learn this car with such a long race to work on it.
“It was a ton of fun. Thank you to RFK, Acronis, Ford, everybody that allowed me to do this, just a dream come true.”
Not long after the conclusion of the Enjoy Illinois 300, Buescher sang his praises for Smith, a sign of humility and respect from the Prosper, Texas native.
It’s no secret these Cup cars are tough to drive. Finishing ahead of half the field in your first time driving one is nothing short of impressive… great job today @zanesmith77 👊🏻
— Chris Buescher (@Chris_Buescher) June 5, 2022
While Buescher is expected to return to the No. 17 Ford for the Sonoma race weekend, he can take heart that Smith delivered with a strong showing for his RFK Racing comrades.
As for Smith, his focus will return to chasing more checkered flags in the Truck Series and likely anticipating his next time in a Cup car. With a strong performance by Smith in a late week relief situation, it may be a matter of time before the popular Truck racer may be dropping the hammer in the more powerful Cup stock car on Sundays.
