NASCAR Silly Season Update | Who Gets The Final Front Row Seat? 

Sorry for the low hum in the background of part of the video. Trying to mess with mic settings to get rid of it in future videos.

Next season will be crazy with everyone being in new cars!💀

3rd Front row seat goes to Clint Bowyer with rush truck centers sponsorship for the whole freakin season. You hears it here first.

let’s give it to Erik jones. Veteran at this point, needs a change of pace. Could bring that team to winning form

I love the option tire. Almost every motor sport has the choice of slick tires for strategy, I think any ways they can create diversity in strategy, and more competitive racing in what is "Stock Cars" is good with me. Get rid of the constant stop and go yellow cautions for stages, and I'd love it even more. I don't need my NASCAR taking 3-5 hours to watch.

Let's be nice to Zane for a minute: the car he's driving technically isn't even his. It's for a team that wasn't ready to expand to 3 cars and could barely support 2 before this season (and they're still struggling to do even that). Trackhouse probably didn't get a big say in how Spire ran that team. They didn't even get him a crew chief! What we're seeing is the performance of a damn near brand new team with a rookie driver just trying to log laps. Now that they have some performance data, Spire hired McDowell for the 71 to see if that's going to improve things. By this point everyone hoped there would be a third Trackhouse car for Zane Smith to transition into. SVG throws a wrench in that of course, and now we have to try and compare the numbers of someone in that brand new team to a guy that showed up and won in his first ever start. The blame doesn't necessarily come off of Zane- what he's showing isn't inspiring confidence- but the circumstances here are the perfect storm of awful.

I think if Mayer goes cup racing next year it would be a similar result to Harrison Burton at the wood brothers.

Kevin Harvick comes out of retirement and goes to FrontRow! lol

I do agree that Sam Mayer isn't ready for the Cup Series yet, but interesting that Christian Eckes is mentioned here. And now with Zane Smith being one of the top choices for the 3rd Front Row Motorsports ride, I could possibly see a reunion with Zane joining back Front Row. Can't wait to see more updates with this team coming soon.

Any track shorter than 1 miles (including New Hampshire) needs to have these duel option tire choice.

Hi Eric Estepp I love your channel and I never miss a single episode

I'd love to see Zane Smith get this ride.

Would love for Zane Smith to get a Team that would Truly support Zane in his drive to be a Champion in the Cup Series & If FrontRow wants Zane he would be a Great addition to Todd & Noah

Imp, Eric should get the frm seat frfr

I still think Riley Herbst is the favorite. Front Row with buying the 3rd charter probaly could use a little bit more cash, Herbst could bring that with Monster Energy and ORCA. Plus he's already with ford and has made cup starts for Front Row already. Hes not gonna be the most competitive but money speaks in Nascar.

Tires are worth a shot, putting a full field on the track together gives Goodyear a lot more data points to research better tire development. Looking forward to it

why the heck doesn't t goodyear have their own car and driver and go test tires on tracks all year? like how is that not already being done? they do it for normal cars.. whats the issue?

I'd put undoubtedly Zane. But Noah in 36. Zane in 34, so he can be reunioned with Love's travel centers.

Love your channel Eric! Keep up the great work and cool content coming.

Like your channel. Zane smith needs better equipment and people around him. He has lots of talent. He will rise.

If FRM's goal is win soon, it will be In Zane. If it's long term potential, it's Mayer. If the goal is sponsors for a new team, it's Herbst. I believe the choice of driver is more of a question of where FRM is standing as a new Tier 1 team.

Me personally I would call Christian Eches

Front Row said yesterday that all the 3 drivers next year have a lot of wins under their belts from other series so my guess is Zane Smith or Christian Eckes....

Option tires are one of the best things to happen this year. Was posting this months ago, i get goodyear doesn't want a tire that looks like it cant hold up, this was the best answer to that. Have both. I don't like the restrictions on the optional tire like having to start on them. Was very happy the wet weather tires were left to teams discretion.

If I am the owner of Front Row Motorsports my third driver would be for the 2025 season...Zane Smith. Just because you win 3,4,5 races in a season doesn't mean you are Cup ready now if Sam Mayer could win a championship or two then maybe he could take the next step. As for Christian Eckes needs one or two in Xfinity series.

Todd Gilliland has been doing really good this season and with Noah Gragson coming in, and maybe a decent driver also coming in, Front Row could become a major playoff threat

I want Smith to go back to FRM. He rocked the 38 loves truck. It be only fitting for him to rock the 34

The question is also: what would happen to Sam Meyer if he doesn't go to 3rd FRM car next year? He is clearly the odd man out at JRM if Zillisch and/or Mosack comes up, since BJones or SSmith are staying with sponsor money + Allgaier is there until he decides to retire.

I hope they keep pushing the limits of the tires. That is the box we're in for now and Bristol showed the potential that is there!

Option tires still aren't gonna matter if they can run 200 laps on the harder compound

I think Zane might be the best but my guess is that he takes Shane’s kaulig car while Shane goes to trackhouse’s SHR car. So I’d go for Eckes. And maybe trying to get a development deal with Sam but I’m not sure if Ford has that sort of infrastructure for their Xfinity pipeline while AM gets their stuff together.

Excited for the option tyres- whoops TIRES (ive been watching too much F1😂

I like it! They have to do something and I think there's going to be some excitement!!

Great video, Eric! I would like to see Sam Mayer get the 36 car at Front Row. This is his best opportunity to go Cup racing next year

Zane, Zane, Zane, Zane, Zane.

We need someone always running in the back and Burton is already out, so I hope Smith gets it

Yeah, I look forward to the softer tires. The Bristol race was awesome. I’m already tired of the same power teams running up front.

I’ve been watching since 2018 Eric can you bring back some of the old segments? Those were awesome

I would want to give Sam Mayer a try but I don't think he will be my long project. I know Front Row is looking for a long term driver but I wouldn't mind having the third car for a year or two as a development car for drivers like Sam Mayer and Christian Eckes

For anyone who thinks optional tires are a gimmick remember IndyCar and F1have each done this for over a decade. In those series you must use multiple compounds in a race. I'm all for NASCAR doing the same. The more opportunities for multiple strategies on track the better.

I am excitedly optimistic about Richmond next month. I really hope these option tires work well for both NASCAR and the fan experience 🤞

I wonder if FRM would be willing to buyout Zane Smith’s contract from Trackhouse, if it came to that. Herbst may also be an option for FRM, given the Herbst to Cup rumors. Herbst brings money and has a solid friendship with Gragson already. I wouldn’t rule him out as an option.

Wilkesboro was a short race to didn’t get to see how the soft tires played out over long term racing

I'd say Zane Smith should be back at FRM, only it will be in the Cup Series full time, lol.

If i was FRM, i'd go with Sam Mayer. I really want to see him in the cup series next year. I think Zane Smith will drive a 3rd Trackhouse car, and Christian Eckes will drive for JGR in the Xfinity series.

#00 Cole Custer (HFT) #1 Ross Chastain (THR) #2 Austin Cindric (TP) #3 Austin Dillon (RCR) #5 Kyle Larson (HMS) #6 Brad Keselowski (RFK) #7 Corey LaJoie (SMS) #8 Kyle Busch (RCR) #9 Chase Elliott (HMS) #11 Denny Hamlin (JGR) #12 Ryan Blaney (TP) #15 Multiple Drivers (RWR) #16 Austin Hill (KR) #17 Chris Buescher (RFK) #19 Chase Briscoe (JGR) #20 Christopher Bell (JGR) #21 Josh Berry (WBR) #22 Joey Logano (TP) #23 Bubba Wallace (23XI) #24 William Byron (HMS) #31 Daniel Hemric (KR) #34 Noah Gragson (FRM) #36 Zane Smith (FRM) #38 Todd Gilliland (FRM) #42 John Hunter Nemechek (LMC) #43 Erik Jones (LMC) #45 Tyler Reddick (23XI) #47 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (JTG) #48 Alex Bowman (HMS) #51 Justin Haley (RWR) #54 Ty Gibbs (JGR) #67 Corey Heim (23XI) #71 Michael McDowell (SMS) #77 Carson Hocevar (SMS) #91 Shane van Gisbergen (THR) #99 Daniel Suárez (THR) Top Chevy Team: Hendrick Motorsports Top Ford Team: RFK Racing Top Toyota Team: Joe Gibbs Racing

I would go with Zane .

I've only been following Nascar in depth for 4 years now, yet I've defended Richmond Raceway all the way. Not every race needs to have a green white checkered 4-wide photo finish, with a 20 car pileup behind the leaders. Just allow things to play out naturally, let the crew chiefs pick a suitable strategy, and have fun. Imagine if the tower let August's race finish under yellow at the set destination? Ooh boy, watch the feathers fly.

I think Christopher Bell will win this weekend at Pocono and that's not a prediction it's a spoiler

Would love to hear your thoughts @ericEstepp on if Kaulig will take a step forward and snag the two young guns that don’t go to FRM. Bob Pockrass linked all three young guys to Kaulig too. Going young and running AJ in a part time third car on road courses could push the team in the right direction. If Chevy wants to keep all these drivers in their stable they might have to step up and help out.

I don’t think Sam or Christian are ready for a cup series, ride.

More variables? How about an adjustable rear wing? Maybe anything adjustable would be nice!

Awesome comments from Jerry Freeze.

of those I say Zane Smith, They really need an established veteran though, Ryan Preece maybe, I believe equipment is holding him down. Matt Dibenideto consistently outperforms his equipment. Could AJ Allmendinger be pried away from Kaulig?

I guess gray areas are okay now? Jumping the start by a few feet is still jumping the start

HP is definitely the most needed thing. But I wonder if gearing is also a big issue with these cars. Denny said a few months ago that NASCAR wants to teams to use one rear end gear at all tracks….. notice that the current cars suck at super speedways and short tracks and are at their best at intermediate tracks. I wonder if they were able to use taller gears at short tracks (this may also eliminate shifting) and shorter gears at super speedways if it would help those races?

Sam mayer has a lot of talent and skill but I don't think he's cup ready just yet. And also there's still 2 more charters plus the new hass team needs a driver. Preece still needs a ride as well.

The way you said “ Parker Kligerman” made me feel a little defensive 😂

FRM has spent lots of money on a 3rd charter. They probably want Zane, but they might have to buy out his Trackhouse contract. But I think it would be a good investment. Reminds me of when Hendrick went to a stable of young drivers several years ago.

I would put norm benning in

Trackhouse is purchasing a third charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. 2025 Trackhouse line-up: 1 Ross Chastain 91 Zane Smith 99 Daniel Suarez

Definitely Smith. Having the guy who earned FRM their first championship and secured a Top 10 in his first Coke 600 (which might have been his first start) back on the team would pay dividends Shocked that they aren't floating Herbst and that Monster sponsorship, but hey I'm delighted to be proven wrong

You know the similarities between Heim and Eckes, they both drove for KBM

Zane Smith coming back to Front Row motorsports Will be pretty interesting

Remember Eckes at KBM and Thorsport? Let's be honest, he sort of sucked and his biggest highlight was flipping off Rhodes in 2020 at Texas He's popped off since joining McAnally so he'd be the first one I'd call cause obviously you get him in a good ride and he'll do really well. And I believe that my organization is that right fit for Eckes in the Cup Series and I want him

I said something like this on Icebergs channel earlier today. FRM is uninspiring. They have dropped too many balls and let too many opportunities to pass by for me to take them seriously as tier one. They let Zane Smith walk. Michael McDowell walked. Only after he walked did they start to offer multi year contracts. They didn’t pick up Briscoe or Childers. No notable personnel changes that get me excited or hopeful. Gragson is a good pickup but not exciting or one that will take them to highest level. Genuinely I’m not convinced FRM is serious about moving up from fringe playoff threats. I seriously don’t see Gragson doing much better than that. If Zane is a legitimate option, they need to pick him up. They’ve missed too many opportunities and they can’t miss a second chance on their guy.

It's a good trio of potential drivers. I have to admit, I overlooked Eckes when this topic came up previously, but once I heard this suggestion, it does make sense to have a look at him. I still think the direct transition from Trucks to Cup is very difficult and most drivers would be better suited with a move to Xfinity just to experience that higher level of competition that is not quite as high as the Cup series. I think that would have worked better for Zane Smith so far. Trucks to Cup may have worked for Gilliland and Hocevar so far, but I think that's less likely to work out, and Hocevar still has much to prove. I already thought Front Row would want to give Zane Smith a shot if he was available. It makes sense they would since they have a history together. I got the impression they did not want to let Zane go when he got the Trackhouse offer. In fact, I think they just didn't expect Todd to do as well as he has and were expecting to put Zane in that seat. At that point, they couldn't get rid of Todd. It may work out well for all involved as Trackhouse could then put SVG in a car if that's something they want to do. As for Zane, he's very talented and I think he just needs time to adapt. His 2024 season reminds me of Gragson's 2023 season. Gragson looked absolutely defeated in June and July when he was still in the car. I didn't think he was going to work out in Cup, but he sure has turned it around this year. I think Zane may be able to do the same. As for Mayer, I have considered him a decent Cup prospect since he started to win races. He's definitely improving. He might do well to wait for the right opportunities to open up in Cup if he's not the pick for this seat. At his age, if he manages to become a real force in the Xfinity series and possibly wins the championship, and he's getting there, then he'll get some Cup opportunities for sure. Time is on his side.

Eric Estepp and everyone who's your pick to win at Pocono this weekend?

I just hope Front Row isn't setting themselves up with it looking like their "veteran" driver is going to be a 26 year old Noah Gragson. If it does work out though it will be brilliant to have such a young team.

The option tire should be the primary and only tire at short tracks. We still need more tire wear but it's a step in the right direction.

Interesting

Trackhouse letting Smith get away would be the dumbest decision an owner has made since Hendrick chose Martin over Keselowski.

Hey Eric I love your videos and I was at the Chicago race weekend and I met bob pockrass Chase elloit Carson hocevar and Corey lajoe

Zane is the first choice but only if he comes free and clear, not as a loaner. After that Mayer and Eckes both have a lot of upside. Eckes is probably more ready but Mayer has xfinity experience ce a d some sponsorship.

Have to remember he is in car that was thrown together with a rookie crew chief also.

Hey Eric, I think I’m your newest subscriber and fellow Texan

I dont think SHR's other 2 charters are spoken for yet, so whoever buys them that opens 2 other seats

I think it’s the right move to make for Richmond. Richmond hasn’t had a good race since like 2016.

I think Sam Mayer is better than his current point situation shows. He started this season out essentially by getting wrecked out of every race by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He has been just as good as the #7 on just about every weekend as far as speed goes as well. Kinda biased though since he is my favorite driver. Wish he could get a ride with Trackhouse at some point down the road

To be clear, I'm not opposed to option tires. I think they are a good way to mix things up and they do wonders in IndyCar. However, I'm sick of NASCAR implementing new rules/packages in the middle of the season. I can't remember the last season where the rules and packages were the same every race. Especially being so close to the playoffs, I can see someone getting screwed by someone else's dumb decision

I gotta say, legit surprised that Riley Herbst isn't among those drivers considered for Front Row. Not that I think he's the best candidate, but I saw where he was talking about "a lot of things going on behind the scenes" in a recent press pass, so I thought for sure one of those "things" would be at least some sort of talks with Front Row. Bob Jenkins hinted at another ‘young, experienced’ driver for that 3rd car, so that's where my mind went first anyway.

I called into Dave moodys show on Sirius XM and suggested there be an option tire years ago. I was told that it was a stupid idea, and that I was stupid for suggesting it. Then a year or two later nascar announced the first time they were going to try the option tire and Moody praised nascar for making such a brilliant move. Precisely why I no longer listen to nascar radio. I love the option tire, they just need to tweak it a bit.

Hi Eric!!! I really like all those options for Front Row but I look at Sam Meyer the most. Sam has done a lot in Xfinity but has been pretty quiet but I wouldn't mind Meyer in the 36! Heck throw Riley Herbst in the mix!

I hope this is a slow thing where eventually every track gets an option Tire

Picking Zane Smith is THE right thing to do for FrontRow Motorsports & Spire can just get Sam Mayer if tease all that eager about going Cup racing

So could we see hard tires on right and softs on the feft? Or maybe just a hard compound on RR.

Since they can't do much with the car. I luv giving them options .

Sam is a checkers or wreckers type guy and I like that about him

Are you gonna be at pocono this weekend?

I’m thinking Zane Smith gets released or parts ways with Trackhouse/Spire to get the 3rd Front Row seat.

Preece will have good results in better equipment. He can get there without tearing it up, unlike many.

Zane Smith in the 34 would be great for him

I hope Zane has a competitive cup ride next season.

I didn’t see Mayer or Eckes as contenders for the third car, but I’ve had Zane on my bingo card for a few days

I like Zane Smith, followed by Sam Meyer and Eckes. I think you need as much experience as possible in a growing team.

I live in the Richmond area and had season tickets for years, but the racing had gotten so boring I gave them up. Anything to make the racing at Richmond more exciting is badly needing.

why not let an AJ Allmendinger, Parker Kligerman, or Kaz Grala fill the seat full time? First pick would be Zane Smith to keep the seat warm for Riggs or someone else, Eckes is a good pivot for longterm...but between Gilliland and Gragson, there's not a lot of experience.

The tires that don’t wear out. The ever lasting gobstoper of tires

I'm not against the option tires but they need to make it worth using both options. We don't need a repeat of the All-Star race when it comes to tire wear.

is there a mandate to run both types of tyres at richmond? if so that could make things very interesting...