The 2023 Daytona 500, the season-opening race of the NASCAR Cup Series, is just a week away and the excitement is building up. With 42 confirmed entries, including 36 chartered cars and 6 non-chartered cars, the lineup is almost complete. However, there was one missing piece of the puzzle – the car number of one of the confirmed entries. But that missing piece has finally fallen into place, as Front Row Motorsports has confirmed the number for their third car.
The team had announced last year that they would field a third car for the reigning Truck Series champion, Zane Smith, in the 65th running of the Daytona 500. Front Row Motorsports confirmed that Smith will drive the No. 36 Ford. Smith previously drove the No. 38 Ford in the Truck Series, but teammate Todd Gilliland already uses the No. 38 in the Cup Series.
Smith will compete in select Cup Series races later this year behind the wheel of the No. 38 Ford, as Gilliland will no longer compete full-time. However, for the Daytona 500, he must qualify either through his speed in the single-car qualifying session or his result in the Bluegreen Vacations Duel race.
The Daytona 500 is set to be broadcast live on Fox from Daytona International Speedway starting at 2:30 p.m. ET on February 19th. With the missing number now confirmed, fans can look forward to a complete and exciting lineup for the season-opening race. Don’t miss out on the action, begin a free trial of FuboTV and be a part of the NASCAR excitement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the missing number for the 2023 Daytona 500 has finally been confirmed, with Zane Smith set to drive the No. 36 Ford for Front Row Motorsports in the season-opening race. With a complete lineup and the race just a week away, the anticipation is at an all-time high. So, make sure to tune in and catch all the action live on Fox Sports 1.
