Zane Smith Finishes Third at Richmond Raceway

Seeded Second Heading Into Playoffs

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Zane Smith and the No. 38 Boot Barn Ford F-150 closed their regular season Saturday night at the Richmond (Va.) Raceway with a third-place result after coming back from a lap down early in the race.

The team fought handling in Stage 1 before getting adjustments. Smith then came from 18th all the way back to inside the top-five in the final stage. Adjustments made by the team and a strategy call by Crew Chief Chris Lawson to pit early in the final stage helped Smith race to third at the end.

The team now focuses on repeating their championship run. Smith is seeded second heading into the playoffs and only eight points out of the lead.

Smith and the No. 38 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series team finished the regular season with two race wins, four stage wins, two poles, and eight top-five finishes.

Zane Smith, Driver No. 38 Boot Barn Ford F-150:



WHAT DID YOU HIT ON AFTER THAT FIRST STAGE? “Simply just tightening our Boot Barn Ford up. It was really, really bad in the first stage and did not think we were gonna be able to fix it here at least. Chris Lawson and everyone at FRM proved me wrong, so we just really never gave up and unfortunately gave up a lot of points through those stages, but, all in all, it was a solid finish. I’m happy with that strategy we did. That was really our only shot was probably hoping for a late-race caution, come back down pit road again and get some more tires and go at it on a short run. That was really our only shot. I’m happy with our finish and to carry this momentum to the playoffs.”

HOW WOULD YOU ASSESS YOUR TEAM THIS YEAR GOING INTO THE PLAYOFFS VERSUS LAST YEAR? “To be honest, last year we hardly had any adversity and this year I feel like our race team is in a great position it’s just a lot of ups and downs. We just need to do the small things a little bit better and focus on our end result a little bit more, instead of so focused on those stage wins. Yes, they are extremely important, but I’m happy where our race team is. Unfortunately, I’ve had some torn up trucks throughout the process, which sucks for everyone at FRM, but we win together and we lose together. Unfortunately, we’re not leaving Richmond with the trophy, but I feel like this has been a track we’ve struggled at, so, all in all, a top three is good for us and some good momentum to carry into the playoffs.”

The team next races Friday, August 11 at the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. The race is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET on FS1.