Chandler Michael Smith Bio
Chandler Michael Smith Sr. (born June 26, 2002) is an American professional stock car racing driver. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 38 Ford F-150 for Front Row Motorsports. Smith has been associated with Toyota Racing Development’s TD2 driver development system during multiple periods, most recently rejoining in 2024 before departing again at the end of the year.
Early Life and Background
Chandler Smith was born in Talking Rock, Georgia, United States. He grew up in a family with a strong connection to racing and business; his father, Mike Smith, owns Smith General Contracting, which has supported Chandler’s racing career. Smith attended Pickens High School in Jasper, Georgia, graduating in 2020.
From a young age, Smith showed promise in racing, beginning with bandolero cars. His early success included winning the 2013 INEX Bandolero Bandit National Championship, which laid the foundation for his progression into higher levels of motorsports competition.
Path to NASCAR
Smith’s racing career advanced through regional and developmental series, including notable achievements in the ARCA Menards Series and late model racing. In 2018, he made his ARCA debut, quickly securing poles and wins, demonstrating his skill on short tracks. His performances attracted attention from Toyota Racing Development, leading to his inclusion in their TD2 driver development program starting in 2018.
Smith transitioned to NASCAR’s national series beginning with part-time appearances in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2019 with Kyle Busch Motorsports. His strong performances in these early races paved the way for a full-time Truck Series schedule and further opportunities in NASCAR’s higher tiers.
Chandler Michael Smith Career
Early Career (2013–2018)
Smith’s early career was marked by success in bandolero and late model racing. Winning the 2013 INEX Bandolero Bandit National Championship was a significant milestone. In 2017, he earned the Southern Super Series Rookie of the Year award, highlighting his rapid development in late model competition.
In 2018, Smith debuted in the ARCA Menards Series, quickly making an impact by winning races at Madison International Speedway and Salem Speedway. These performances solidified his reputation as a rising talent and led to continued opportunities with Venturini Motorsports.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Breakthrough (2019–2022)
Smith began competing part-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2019 with Kyle Busch Motorsports. He impressed by capturing the pole position in his first start at Iowa and leading significant laps. In 2020, he continued part-time with KBM, gaining valuable experience despite a disrupted schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Promoted to a full-time Truck Series schedule in 2021, Smith drove the No. 18 Toyota Tundra for KBM. He won the 2021 Snowball Derby and earned the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year award. Smith secured multiple wins during the season, including a crucial victory at Bristol that helped him advance in the playoffs. He finished eighth in the standings that year.
In 2022, Smith continued to excel in the Truck Series, winning races at Las Vegas, Pocono, and Richmond. His consistent performance earned him a spot in the Championship 4, where he finished third in the standings, marking his best season to date.
Xfinity Series and Cup Series Experience (2023–Present)
In 2023, Smith moved to the NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time with Kaulig Racing, driving the No. 16 car. He won his first Xfinity race at Richmond and recorded additional wins at Phoenix and Richmond while competing for Joe Gibbs Racing after a mid-season team change. Despite a strong season, he was eliminated in the Round of 8 in the playoffs and parted ways with JGR at the end of the year.
Smith made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2023 with Kaulig Racing but failed to qualify for the Daytona 500. He officially debuted at Richmond, finishing seventeenth. Plans for a 2025 Daytona 500 attempt with MBM Motorsports were announced, though he did not qualify after a crash in the Duel race.
Front Row Motorsports Era (2025–Present)
Smith announced his return to the Truck Series full-time in 2025 with Front Row Motorsports, driving the No. 38 Ford F-150. Early in the season, he showed strong form with a sixth-place finish at Daytona and wins at Bristol and North Wilkesboro, signaling a promising start with his new team.
Driving Style and Strengths
Chandler Smith is known for his competitiveness on short tracks and intermediate ovals, combining aggressive racecraft with strategic decision-making. His ability to perform under pressure in playoff scenarios and maintain consistency has been a hallmark of his career. Smith’s partnerships with experienced crew chiefs have further enhanced his race execution and adaptability.
Notable Races and Milestones
Key milestones in Smith’s career include winning the 2013 INEX Bandolero Bandit National Championship, the 2018 SpeedFest 200, and the prestigious 2021 Snowball Derby. His playoff victories in the Truck Series, particularly at Bristol and Richmond, stand out as defining moments that have shaped his reputation in NASCAR.
Chandler Michael Smith Career Wins
Throughout his career, Chandler Smith has accumulated multiple wins across various series, including ARCA, NASCAR Truck, and Xfinity Series events. His victories demonstrate his versatility and growth as a professional driver.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Highlights
Smith has secured several wins in the Truck Series, including key playoff races at Bristol, Richmond, Las Vegas, Pocono, and Phoenix. His first Truck Series win came during the 2021 season, which also earned him Rookie of the Year honors. His consistent performance led to a third-place finish in the 2022 championship standings.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Highlights
In the Xfinity Series, Smith claimed his first win at Richmond in 2023, followed by additional victories at Phoenix and Richmond while driving for Joe Gibbs Racing. These wins underscored his potential to compete at higher levels within NASCAR.
Other Wins and Performances
Smith’s early career included notable victories in the ARCA Menards Series, such as wins at Madison International Speedway and Salem Speedway in 2018. His 2013 INEX Bandolero Bandit National Championship remains a foundational achievement in his racing development.
Chandler Michael Smith Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Chandler Smith’s father, Mike Smith, plays a significant role in his racing career, both as a supporter and sponsor through his business, Smith General Contracting. This family involvement has provided a stable foundation for Chandler’s progression in motorsports.
Personal Life
Smith married Kenzie Grams on July 17, 2021. The couple has a son, Chandler Smith Jr., born in 2022, and announced expecting a second son in 2023. In 2025, it was publicly announced that Kenzie Grams filed for divorce. Smith balances his professional racing career with his family responsibilities.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Chandler Smith returned full-time to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Front Row Motorsports, driving the No. 38 Ford F-150. He began the season strongly with a sixth-place finish at Daytona, followed by wins at Bristol and North Wilkesboro, demonstrating competitive momentum. Smith’s performance positions him as a contender in the series, with expectations for continued success as the season progresses.
