By: Andy DeLay, Staff Writer

If you’ve been following the breadcrumbs of this NASCAR Silly Season as closely as I have, this news probably didn’t knock you out of your recliner. Still, that doesn’t make it any less significant for the 2026 Truck Series championship picture.

​Front Row Motorsports (FRM) officially confirmed what we’ve suspected since November: Chandler Smith is staying put. He will pilot the No. 38 Ford F-150 for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, keeping the band together with crew chief Jon Leonard.

​For everyone who appreciates a bit of loyalty and stability in a sport that increasingly feels like a game of musical chairs, this is good news.

​Building on a Solid Foundation

Let’s look at the tape. Smith’s 2025 campaign—his first with FRM—was nothing to sneeze at. He parked the #38 in Victory Lane twice (including that impressive run at North Wilkesboro) and was a regular fixture at the front of the field.

​However, if you ask Chandler, he’ll likely tell you the job isn’t finished. Despite a strong regular season, the team seemed to run out of steam when it mattered most, exiting the playoffs earlier than expected and settling for eighth in the final standings. In this garage, “eighth” is a nice way of saying “not good enough,” especially when you’re driving equipment that won a championship with Zane Smith back in 2022.

​Why He Is a Serious Contender in 2026

So, can he win it all next year? I’m going to go out on a limb and say yes.

​Here is why:

1. Continuity: In the Truck Series, chemistry is everything. Jon Leonard returning as crew chief means they aren’t spending the first five races learning each other’s communication style. They can unload at Daytona and be fast immediately.

2. Sponsorship Stability: We already know TitleMax and Speedy Cash are on board for the 2026 effort. When a driver doesn’t have to worry about where the check is coming from, the right foot tends to get a little heavier.

3. The “Year Two” Bump: Historically, drivers make their biggest statistical jump in their second year with a new organization. Smith knows the trucks, he knows the shop, and he knows the expectations.

​The Wildcards

The 2026 schedule is going to throw some curveballs. We’ve got Rockingham returning (a win for us old-school fans) and a trip to Lime Rock Park. Smith’s background in Super Late Models serves him well at the short tracks, and if FRM brings their usual horsepower, the #38 should be a favorite at the “Paperclip” and “The Rock.”

​The Verdict

Front Row Motorsports has proven they are a truck powerhouse. By keeping Chandler Smith in the seat, they are signaling that they aren’t rebuilding—they are reloading.

​Keep an eye on this team when they get to Daytona. If they survive the superspeedways, Smith has the raw talent to be holding the Championship hardware come November.

Image Credit: Julian Wayne/ Seriously Fast Motorsports