Chandler Smith Seeks Elusive Daytona 500 Berth with Front Row Motorsports in 2026 Season Opener

Daytona Beach, FL – Chandler Smith is set to make his third attempt at qualifying for the prestigious Daytona 500, lining up for the 68th running of NASCAR’s crown jewel event in February 2026. The young driver will pilot the No. 36 Ford Mustang, fielded by Front Row Motorsports (FRM). This marks a significant opportunity for Smith, who has yet to secure a starting spot in the sport’s most iconic race.

Front Row Motorsports, a well-established team in the NASCAR Cup Series, fields three chartered entries that are already guaranteed a place on the starting grid. These include the No. 4 Ford Mustang driven by Noah Gragson, the No. 34 Ford Mustang with Todd Gilliland at the helm, and the No. 38 Ford Mustang campaigned by Zane Smith. Smith’s No. 36 entry will be one of the open cars, meaning he must earn his spot through qualifying speeds or the Can-Am Duel races.

Smith, who is also a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Front Row Motorsports, has faced disappointment in his previous two Daytona 500 attempts. In 2023, he drove for Kaulig Racing and, despite a 18th-place finish in his Duel race, narrowly missed qualifying for the main event by ten positions. His 2025 attempt saw him join Garage 66. While showing promise and running towards the front in his Duel race, a race-ending crash unfortunately dashed his hopes of making the field. The upcoming attempt with Front Row Motorsports represents his third different team in as many tries to qualify for the Daytona 500.

Despite the setbacks in qualifying for the "Great American Race," Smith has demonstrated considerable potential in his limited NASCAR Cup Series starts. Across three previous Cup Series appearances in 2023, he has consistently finished within the top 20. His notable performances include a 17th-place finish at Richmond Raceway, a 15th-place result in the summer race at Daytona International Speedway, and a strong 13th-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway. These results underscore his capability on restrictor-plate tracks, a crucial factor for success at Daytona.

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The 23-year-old driver boasts an impressive resume in the lower tiers of NASCAR. He has accumulated three victories in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and seven wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Furthermore, Smith has a proven track record of success in ARCA, with ten victories to his name. This blend of experience and winning pedigree across various series positions him as a formidable contender for a starting spot in the 2026 Daytona 500.

The 2026 Daytona 500 is shaping up to be a highly competitive affair, 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 (JR Motorsports), Corey LaJoie (RFK Racing), Corey Heim (23XI Racing), Anthony Alfredo (Beard Motorsports), BJ McLeod (Live Fast Motorsports), JJ Yeley (NY Racing Team), and Casey Mears (Garage 66). These drivers, representing a mix of established veterans and rising talents, will undoubtedly create intense competition during qualifying and the Duel races.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the qualifying picture is Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. Johnson is slated to compete in the No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota. While Johnson has secured a starting spot through the Open Exemption Provisional, his presence in the field does not alter the fact that eight other drivers will be competing for the four remaining open berths. This intensified competition means that every lap, every qualifying run, and every strategic decision will be critical for Smith and his rivals.

The Daytona 500, a race steeped in history and tradition, is known for its unpredictable nature. The high speeds and drafting tactics employed on the 2.5-mile tri-oval can lead to dramatic finishes and surprising outcomes. For drivers like Chandler Smith, who have yet to taste victory in the Cup Series, a strong performance at Daytona could serve as a significant springboard for their careers. His previous attempts, while unsuccessful in qualifying, have provided invaluable experience on this challenging track.

Front Row Motorsports, under the leadership of Bob Jenkins, has steadily grown its presence in the Cup Series. The team has consistently aimed to provide competitive equipment and opportunities for drivers to showcase their talents. By entrusting Smith with the No. 36 Ford Mustang for his Daytona 500 attempt, FRM is investing in a driver who has demonstrated raw speed and determination. The synergy between Smith’s ambition and FRM’s established infrastructure could be the key to unlocking his potential on the sport’s biggest stage.

The qualifying process for the Daytona 500 involves a multi-day event. Initial qualifying sessions set the front row for the race, while the Can-Am Duels, two 150-mile qualifying races, determine the remainder of the starting grid for non-chartered teams. Smith’s performance in both the initial qualifying and his Duel race will be under intense scrutiny. His past experiences, including the close calls and the unfortunate crash, will undoubtedly fuel his resolve to finally break through and compete in the Daytona 500.

The statistical background of restrictor-plate racing often favors drivers who can effectively navigate the pack and maintain momentum. Smith’s top-20 finishes in his limited Cup starts, particularly his strong showing at Talladega, suggest he possesses the necessary skills. The ability to conserve his machine, make smart strategic moves, and avoid the inevitable multi-car incidents that characterize Daytona racing will be paramount.

As the 2026 NASCAR season approaches, all eyes will be on Chandler Smith and Front Row Motorsports as they embark on this critical quest. The Daytona 500 represents a dream for many drivers, and for Smith, it is a goal he has pursued with unwavering dedication. His previous attempts have served as learning experiences, and with the support of FRM and his own proven talent, he is poised to make a significant challenge for a coveted spot in the 2026 Daytona 500. The narrative of a young driver overcoming past hurdles to achieve a career milestone is one that resonates deeply within the NASCAR community, and Smith’s journey to Daytona will undoubtedly be a compelling storyline throughout the early part of the season.