Chandler Smith Pursues Daytona 500 Debut with Front Row Motorsports in 2026

Chandler Smith is set to make his third attempt at qualifying for the prestigious Daytona 500, lining up with Front Row Motorsports (FRM) for the 68th running of NASCAR’s season-opening classic next month. Smith will pilot the No. 36 Ford Mustang, a non-chartered entry that must earn its spot on the 40-car grid through qualifying speeds or the preceding Can-Am Duels. FRM, a consistent presence in the NASCAR Cup Series, already has three chartered entries secured for the event: the No. 4 driven by Noah Gragson, the No. 34 with Todd Gilliland, and the No. 38 of Zane Smith.

This marks a new chapter for the 23-year-old driver, who currently competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for FRM. Smith’s previous two attempts at the Daytona 500, in 2023 and 2025, unfortunately, ended without qualification. His pursuit of a starting position in NASCAR’s most iconic race has seen him partner with different teams in his past efforts.

In 2023, Smith made his maiden Daytona 500 attempt with Kaulig Racing. While he showed promise, finishing 18th in his Duel race, he ultimately missed the main event by a margin of ten positions. The following year, in 2025, he joined Garage 66 for another bid. During Duel #1, Smith was running a competitive race near the front of the field when he was caught up in a race-ending incident, curtailing his chances of making the starting lineup.

Despite the lack of a Daytona 500 start, Smith has demonstrated capability in his limited NASCAR Cup Series appearances. He has three Cup Series starts to his name, and notably, has finished within the top 20 in all of them. During the 2023 season, he recorded finishes of 17th at Richmond Raceway, 15th in the summer Daytona International Speedway event, and 13th at Talladega Superspeedway, showcasing his aptitude for restrictor plate racing and oval track competition.

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Smith’s background is rooted in consistent success across NASCAR’s lower national divisions. He has amassed three victories in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and seven wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, demonstrating a strong development curve and winning pedigree. Furthermore, he achieved ten victories in the ARCA Menards Series, underscoring his versatility and talent across different levels of stock car racing.

The 2026 Daytona 500 is shaping up to be a highly competitive affair, with a robust field of open entries vying for the limited non-chartered spots. Among the notable drivers expected to contend for a place on the grid are Justin Allgaier driving for JR Motorsports, Corey LaJoie returning with RFK Racing, Corey Heim piloting a 23XI Racing entry, Anthony Alfredo in a Beard Motorsports Ford, BJ McLeod for Live Fast Motorsports, JJ Yeley with the NY Racing Team, and Casey Mears campaigning for Garage 66. These drivers, along with Smith, represent a diverse group of established competitors and rising talents all aiming to be part of NASCAR’s biggest stage.

Adding to the competitive landscape, Jimmie Johnson will also be a participant, driving the No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota. However, Johnson’s entry is secured via the Open Exemption Provisional, meaning he is guaranteed a starting spot. This leaves eight drivers, including Chandler Smith, to compete for the remaining four open berths on the Daytona 500 starting grid. The intensity of these qualifying races, particularly the Can-Am Duels, is expected to be heightened as drivers battle for supremacy and a chance to compete in the iconic 500-mile event.

Front Row Motorsports, under the leadership of team owner Bob Jenkins, has steadily grown its presence in the Cup Series. The team has consistently fielded competitive entries and has a history of providing opportunities for drivers to showcase their talents. The addition of Smith to the Daytona 500 attempt in the No. 36 car signifies FRM’s commitment to maximizing its presence and providing opportunities for drivers to compete at the highest level. While the chartered cars are locked in, the pursuit of starting spots for open entries like Smith’s is a crucial element of the Daytona 500 tradition, often leading to thrilling on-track battles during Speedweeks.

Smith’s full-time commitment to the Craftsman Truck Series with FRM provides a strong foundation for his Cup Series aspirations. His performance in the Truck Series is closely watched, and his experience in that series, particularly on superspeedways, is invaluable. The transition to a Cup Series car, even for a single event, requires adaptation, but Smith’s prior Cup starts and strong finishes indicate he is capable of performing at this level. The No. 36 Ford Mustang will be prepared by the FRM crew, aiming to give Smith the best possible opportunity to overcome his previous qualifying setbacks.

The Daytona 500 is renowned for its unpredictable nature, especially on the superspeedway configuration of Daytona International Speedway. Factors such as drafting, pit strategy, and avoiding the inevitable multi-car incidents play a significant role in race outcomes. For drivers attempting to qualify, the pressure is immense, as a single mistake or unfortunate circumstance can end their chances before the green flag even drops. Smith’s past experiences, while not resulting in qualification, have undoubtedly provided him with valuable lessons learned about navigating the unique challenges of Daytona Speedweeks.

The upcoming qualifying sessions and Can-Am Duels will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. The battle for the four open spots will likely feature intense racing, as drivers push their equipment and their own abilities to the limit. Chandler Smith’s pursuit of the Daytona 500 with Front Row Motorsports adds another compelling storyline to the early days of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, highlighting the enduring appeal of this historic race and the dreams of drivers aiming to etch their names in its storied history. His previous strong performances in Cup Series races, combined with his winning record in lower series, suggest that his third attempt at the Great American Race could be the one that sees him take the green flag.

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