Chandler Smith Eyes Esteemed Daytona 500 Debut with Front Row Motorsports Bid

Chandler Smith is set to make his third attempt to qualify for the prestigious 68th running of the Daytona 500 next month, piloting the No. 36 Front Row Motorsports (FRM) Ford Mustang. This endeavor marks a significant step for the young driver as he seeks to join the storied field of NASCAR’s premier event. FRM, a consistent presence in the NASCAR Cup Series, already has its three chartered entries secured, driven by Noah Gragson in the No. 4, Todd Gilliland in the No. 34, and Zane Smith in the No. 38. Smith’s participation in the No. 36 will be as an open entry, requiring him to earn his spot through qualifying and the Duel races.

Smith is no stranger to the Front Row Motorsports organization, as he also competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series under their banner. His previous two attempts at the Daytona 500, in 2023 and 2025, unfortunately, ended without qualification. This upcoming attempt will see him driving for his third different team in his pursuit of a coveted starting position in NASCAR’s most iconic race.

In his 2023 bid, Smith was associated with Kaulig Racing. He demonstrated competitive speed, finishing 18th in his qualifying Duel race. However, this performance was not enough to secure a place in the main event, as he missed out on a transfer spot by ten positions. The following year, in 2025, Smith joined Garage 66 for his Daytona 500 attempt. During Duel #1, he was running strongly near the front of the field before an incident led to a race-ending crash, prematurely concluding his chances for that year.

Despite the setbacks in qualifying for the Daytona 500, Chandler Smith has shown flashes of potential in his limited NASCAR Cup Series starts. Across three previous Cup Series appearances, he has consistently finished within the top 20. His 2023 season saw him achieve a 17th-place finish at Richmond Raceway, a 15th-place result in the summer Daytona race, and an impressive 13th-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway. These performances highlight his capability on superspeedways and in challenging drafting environments.

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The 23-year-old driver brings a strong resume from the lower tiers of NASCAR competition. He has secured three wins in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and seven victories in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Additionally, Smith has an accomplished record in ARCA, amassing ten wins. This proven track record of success in development series suggests a strong foundation for his Cup Series aspirations.

The 2026 Daytona 500 is shaping up to be a highly competitive event, with a robust field of open entries vying for the remaining spots on the grid. Among the notable drivers attempting to qualify are Justin Allgaier of JR Motorsports, Corey LaJoie driving for RFK Racing, Corey Heim with 23XI Racing, Anthony Alfredo representing Beard Motorsports, BJ McLeod of Live Fast Motorsports, JJ Yeley piloting the NY Racing Team entry, and Casey Mears for Garage 66.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the entry list, Jimmie Johnson will be competing in the No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota. Johnson has secured a guaranteed starting spot through the Open Exemption Provisional, leaving a total of eight drivers to battle for the four remaining open spots on the Daytona 500 grid. This situation intensifies the competition for drivers like Smith, who will need to perform at their peak during the qualifying sessions and Duel races.

Front Row Motorsports, under the leadership of Bob Jenkins, has established itself as a competitive organization in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team’s primary focus in recent years has been on building a stable of talented drivers and providing them with competitive equipment. The chartered cars of Gragson, Gilliland, and Zane Smith represent the team’s core program, aiming for consistent top-20 and top-10 finishes throughout the season. The addition of Smith in an open car for the Daytona 500 demonstrates the team’s commitment to providing opportunities for promising drivers and exploring additional avenues for success.

The Daytona 500 is notorious for its unpredictable nature, often defined by multi-car incidents and strategic drafting battles. For drivers like Smith, who are looking to make a statement and secure a prominent place in the sport, a strong performance at Daytona can be a career-defining moment. His past experiences, though not resulting in qualification, have provided valuable lessons learned on the high-speed, 2.5-mile tri-oval. The knowledge gained from his previous attempts, combined with the resources and support of Front Row Motorsports, could prove crucial in his 2026 pursuit.

The strategic importance of the Daytona 500 extends beyond the immediate race. Securing a spot in the "Great American Race" can boost driver confidence, attract sponsorship opportunities, and build momentum for the remainder of the season. For Smith, a successful qualification would not only mark a personal milestone but also validate his progression as a driver and his potential within the Cup Series.

The qualifying procedures for the Daytona 500 involve a timed qualifying session to set the front row of the race and determine the starting order for the Duel races. The two Duel races, held a few days before the main event, then finalize the remaining starting positions, with the highest-finishing open cars in each Duel securing spots. For drivers not locked in, these Duels become critical elimination races. Smith’s performance in these preliminary events will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike.

The competitive landscape of NASCAR continues to evolve, with teams constantly seeking to innovate and optimize their performance. Front Row Motorsports has shown a commitment to this evolution, and their efforts with Chandler Smith in the No. 36 Ford Mustang for the Daytona 500 underscore their strategic approach to maximizing their presence and impact within the series. The combination of Smith’s talent, FRM’s experience, and the unique challenges of the Daytona International Speedway sets the stage for an intriguing chapter in his racing career.

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