Zane Smith, one of the eight drivers still competing for NASCAR’s inaugural In-Season Challenge, is concentrating his efforts on qualifying for the NASCAR Playoffs as he prepares for Sunday’s race at Sonoma Raceway. While he must finish ahead of Ty Gibbs of Joe Gibbs Racing to advance in the Challenge, Smith’s primary goal remains securing a spot in the playoffs by winning at Sonoma.

Smith and Gibbs have both succeeded through two rounds of the 32-driver bracket, and they are now matched against each other along with other pairings including Ty Dillon vs. Alex Bowman, Erik Jones vs. John Hunter Nemechek, and Ryan Preece vs. Tyler Reddick. Although only the winners of these head-to-head battles move on to the next round, Smith is not focused on defeating Gibbs alone but on winning the race to guarantee his playoff berth.

Unlike Bowman and Reddick, who are comfortably positioned for the season-ending playoffs, Smith needs a victory in one of the remaining seven regular season events to advance. This reality shifts his mindset away from the In-Season Challenge’s elimination format toward the bigger picture of the NASCAR Playoffs.

Smith acknowledged this shared focus during a Wednesday interview.

I don’t want to speak for Ty,

he said,

But I feel like we’re both in the boat, as of today, that, ‘We’re going to Sonoma to try to win the race and advance to the playoffs.’

Race Strategy Centers on Victory, Regardless of Challenger’s Position

Throughout the Sonoma race, Smith expects his team to keep him informed about how Gibbs is performing, but he remains determined to focus on his own results rather than reacting solely to his competitor’s pace. A win still stands as the only path to an automatic spot in the postseason for Smith.

I’m sure I’ll get told once or twice about where he’s running or what’s going on with him and what strategy they’re doing and many other things,

Smith said of Gibbs.

But ultimately, we’re trying to advance to the playoffs.

As a second-year full-time driver in the Cup Series, Smith realizes that maintaining composure and targeting a strong finish will deliver the best outcome for his team and playoff hopes.

Zane Smith’s Surprising Run in the In-Season Challenge

Ranked 14th in the In-Season Challenge bracket, Zane Smith has been among the surprising contenders who overcame tough odds in the opening rounds. He defeated the 19th-seeded Austin Cindric in the first round at Atlanta and then took down the third-seeded Chris Buescher at the Chicago Street Course last weekend. These victories came despite most experts favoring his opponents in both matchups.

It’s cool to still be alive in this bracket challenge,

Smith said, driving the No. 38 Ford for Front Row Motorsports.

My last week’s pairing with Chris, I knew we were gonna have our work cut out for us, just with Chris’ stats. But it’s still racing. And things happen. And we were able to advance.

Though Smith does not prioritize the In-Season Challenge above his quest for a playoff position, he remains aware of the potential rewards at stake. The Challenge carries a $1 million prize for the winner, which Smith would distribute thoughtfully.

I don’t know how much I would totally get,

he said,

But hopefully, I’d be able to get a decent chunk and be able to split it across the whole (No.) 38 team. And they can go and do whatever they want with it. Then, if I’ve got any left over, I’d maybe put some money towards a pool or something.

Looking Ahead: Sonoma’s Role in Smith’s NASCAR Playoff Ambitions

The upcoming race at Sonoma Raceway, located in Northern California’s Wine Country, plays a critical role in determining Smith’s postseason fate. For him, a victory here would not only clinch a playoff spot but also affirm his progress as a rising contender in the Cup Series. Despite the distractions of the In-Season Challenge, Smith’s clear focus remains on Victory Lane and the larger goals that come with playoff qualification.

Given how drivers like Gibbs, Bowman, and Reddick also compete for similar stakes, Sonoma promises a tightly contested race where strategy and execution will be key. Smith’s outlook is steady and calculated as he navigates both the short-term battle in the Challenge and the broader objectives of a successful NASCAR season.