Zane Smith and his No. 38 team arrive at Daytona International Speedway this weekend with a critical task: secure a win to guarantee a place in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs starting next week at Darlington Raceway. With the regular season finale unfolding at one of NASCAR’s most iconic superspeedways, Smith’s performance this weekend could define his playoff fate.
Strong Superspeedway Performances Highlight Smith’s Season
Smith has demonstrated notable skill on drafting tracks during the season, proving competitive in challenging conditions. His first career Cup Series pole position came at Talladega in the spring, where he led five laps and finished 19th. Additionally, Smith placed 11th and 7th, respectively, in two Atlanta races, leading laps in the latter event. His consistency at Daytona is evident, having finished 13th in three of his four starts.
Special Scheme Honors NASCAR History in Season Finale
For this pivotal race, Smith and Aaron’s Rent-to-Own are running the Aaron’s Lucky Dog paint scheme, a design cherished by fans and steeped in NASCAR heritage. Previous drivers such as David Reutimann, Brian Vickers, Michael McDowell, and Michael Waltrip have famously worn this scheme. Smith’s team hopes this nostalgic design will inspire a strong outing in the 160-lap event.
Smith’s Confidence and Focus Ahead of Daytona Event
Speaking ahead of the race, Smith shared his optimism and approach to managing the pressure, saying,
“I’m always excited heading into the superspeedways. We’ve shown a lot a speed this year on drafting-style tracks, so I’m confident this weekend won’t be any different. We know what’s at stake, but we won’t let the pressure bother us, we’re going to show up and do what we do best and be in position at the end.”
—Zane Smith, Driver
Playoff Implications and What’s Next
A victory for Zane Smith at Daytona would lock him into the playoffs, marking a major milestone in his season and providing momentum heading into the next stage at Darlington Raceway. As Smith builds on his superspeedway success, this race represents both a challenge and a chance to prove his readiness for NASCAR’s postseason competition.