Chandler Smith to attempt Daytona 500 with Front Row Motorsports

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Front Row Motorsports will field a car for Chandler Smith to attempt to make the Daytona 500 next month.

Smith will make his first NASCAR Cup Series attempt with the team in the No. 36 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. He will be the fourth driver in the FRM stable, joining full-time teammates Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith and Noah Gragson on the roster.

"I’m really excited to take a shot at the Daytona 500 with the FRM Cup Series program," said Smith. "This organization is known for its speed at superspeedways, and I am going to give it my best shot to win the Harley J. Earl Trophy or help my teammates if I am in the position to do so in the end."

This isn't Smith's first attempt or start in the NASCAR Cup Series. He made three starts in 2023 for Kaulig Racing while competing for them full-time in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series.

Although he missed the Daytona 500 that year, he raced at Richmond in the spring, Daytona in the summer and Talladega in the fall – finishing 17th, 15th and 11th, respectively.

Last year, he attempted to make the Daytona 500 with Carl Long's Garage 66 entry. However, his attempt ended in wrecked rubble when he crashed in turns one and two in his Duel race.

Now, with Front Row Motorsports for a second season, he gets redemption.

"I greatly appreciate the opportunity and will do my part to get FRM off to a great start to the 2026 Cup season, while I pursue my primary goal this year in winning the 2026 Truck Series Championship," Smith said.

Smith is competing full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026. He joined the team in 2025 and amassed two wins, five top-five finishes and 16 top-10 finishes in 25 races. He made the Chase but bowed out in the first round, ultimately finishing eighth in points.

Smith also has experience in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. He has three wins, 25 top-fives and 36 top-10s in 69 career starts. With Joe Gibbs Racing, he made the 2024 Chase and finished fifth in points.

Statistically, Daytona has been a good for Smith, according to FRM. He has an average finish of 12.0 there in the NCTS and 10.3 in the NOAPS.

FRM won the Daytona 500 in 2021 with Michael McDowell.

According to FRM, they're still seeking partners to come onboard with Smith for the 500.