Zane Smith Clinches First Career Cup Pole at Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega, AL – Rising NASCAR star Zane Smith reached a major milestone in his Cup Series career on Saturday by capturing his first-ever pole position for the Jack Link’s 500 at the iconic Talladega Superspeedway. The 25-year-old driver from California delivered a blazing lap at 182.174 mph, narrowly edging out veteran Kyle Busch for the top starting spot.
Driving for Front Row Motorsports, Smith’s pole is more than just a personal achievement—it marks the third consecutive pole at Talladega for the team, highlighting its growing reputation as a superspeedway powerhouse. The accomplishment is a testament to Smith’s development and the team’s engineering prowess.
“I’m just pumped,” Smith said after qualifying. “This place is wild and unpredictable, so to start out front is a big deal. The car felt great. The team has worked hard all season, and this is a big moment for all of us.”
Smith, who won the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship in 2022, has been steadily climbing the ranks. His transition to the Cup Series has come with its learning curves, but this pole proves he’s on the right track. Known for his smooth driving style and focus under pressure, Smith is quickly earning respect in the garage.
Front Row Motorsports co-owner Bob Jenkins praised Smith and the team’s effort. “We’ve always believed in Zane’s potential. What he showed today is exactly why we brought him up to the Cup level. This is a big step forward.”
The qualifying session was packed with drama as seasoned drivers like Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Joey Logano attempted to lay down fast laps. But it was Smith who stole the show, showcasing speed and control on the 2.66-mile superspeedway known for chaos and tight racing packs.
Talladega, famous for its unpredictability and massive multi-car crashes known as “The Big One,” has always been a place where underdogs shine. Smith’s pole only adds to the weekend’s excitement as he prepares to lead the field to green in Sunday’s high-stakes race.
With clean air and clear visibility in front of him, Smith will have an advantage, but he knows it won’t last long. “You can lead five laps or lose ten spots in one straightaway here,” he noted. “But we’ll do everything we can to stay up front.”
NASCAR fans are watching closely as Smith looks to turn his pole into a breakout performance. If he can convert this qualifying success into a strong race finish—or even a win—it could shake up the playoff picture and establish him as one of the sport’s rising stars.