As Zane Smith prepares to compete at Sonoma Raceway in this Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series event, he will showcase a unique paint scheme dedicated to honoring racing fathers. Supported by Michael Roberts Construction, Inc. (MRC), the No. 38 MRC Ford Mustang Dark Horse will carry a tribute that celebrates the influence of Smith’s and MRC president Mike Avila’s fathers on their racing journeys.
Paying Tribute to Father Figures in Racing
The special design on the hood of Smith’s car highlights a collage of images featuring Richard Avila and Mike Smith, both pivotal figures in their sons’ careers. Richard Avila, a national and world boat racing champion, played a vital role in mentoring Mike Avila, who now leads MRC. Meanwhile, Smith’s dad, Mike Smith, was a respected off-road race truck builder who supported Zane’s development in racing.
This tribute symbolizes the longstanding support and guidance these fathers provided, which helped shape the paths of both Avila and Smith within the competitive motorsports landscape.
Zane Smith Reflects on Family and Racing Support
Discussing the collaboration with MRC for the Sonoma event, Smith expressed his enthusiasm:
“I’m excited to represent MRC this weekend,”
said Smith.
“Mike Avila has been one of my longest and most loyal supporters. He’s been with me through nearly every stop in my career, including when we won the Truck Series championship in 2022. Together, Mike and I wanted to honor both of our fathers for the love and support they provided each of us as we built our own racing careers.”
Season Highlights and Upcoming Challenges
The race at Sonoma marks the NASCAR Cup Series’ only appearance in California for the 2025 season, making it a special home-state event for Smith. He concluded last year’s Sonoma race in 16th place on the challenging 1.99-mile road course. Recently, he secured a 14th-place finish at the Chicago Street Course, which advanced him to the third round of the NASCAR In-Season Challenge.
Smith faces a strong competitor, Ty Gibbs, in this weekend’s In-Season Challenge matchup. The Sonoma race is set to begin at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, with live broadcast and radio coverage available via TNT, the Performance Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Significance of the Father’s Honor Paint Scheme
This special paint scheme not only highlights the personal connections and racing legacies behind Smith and Avila but also serves as a reminder of the vital role family support plays in motorsports careers. By honoring their fathers publicly, Smith and MRC emphasize how foundational guidance from previous generations fuels passion and success on the track.