NASCAR Silly Season Update | Who Gets The Final Front Row Seat?
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- Опубликовано: 4 авг 2024
- Sam Mayer? Christian Eckes? Zane Smith??? Who could end up driving the third Front Row Motorsports car next year?
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0:00 Option Tires
3:50 Front Row Motorsports Silly Season 
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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.
@@EricEstepp it's OK we forgive you
Didn't even notice, Probably due to my low speaker quality 😅
If your looking for a Veteran at FrontRow I think Ryan Newman would fit there.
Barely noticed it, I saw the comment mid-video, I had to turn up my headphones on full volume to hear it 😂
No problem man. I didnt even notice.
Next season will be crazy with everyone being in new cars!💀
"Chase Briscoe 2025 Cup Series champion"
Imagine if F1 was this crazy with driver changes, for better or for worse
@@BraydenBunch58 image tho
@@BeagleBageler fr!
@@BraydenBunch58hell def be one of those top contenders
3rd Front row seat goes to Clint Bowyer with rush truck centers sponsorship for the whole freakin season. You hears it here first.
Bowyer ain’t coming back
let’s give it to Erik jones. Veteran at this point, needs a change of pace. Could bring that team to winning form
Now that would be interesting
And Heim would get the #43. I buy this!
@@afrenchnascarfan9768 would make sense, however heim, like Erik, is way too talented to be stuck there
@@corduroycal LMC could well progress next year, who knows? Hard times this season transitionning to Toyota but things can come together soon, JHN was seen a bit more up front recently.
@@afrenchnascarfan9768 I don’t even believe it anymore. Complete mess over there.
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.
Unn it would take 3 to 4 hours regardless......the stages make better racing period...
@@truckercowboyed2638 Even so, what's wrong with a 4 hour event? Ironically that was one of the sport's selling points. Longer than an F1 race, but not as long as the 24 hours of LeMans.
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.
Yes, it seems like Zane get the left overs from TrackHouse&Spires & a Rookis crew chief, Rookie pit crew & Zane being a Rookie & First time driving a Cup car on most tracks & With all that Zane has done pretty good
Hey! He got that 2nd place finish I thought he would win though! That would’ve been awesome to see a small team like that win! But.. Logano of course won
@@D1_PLAYMAKERCLIPS there would be such a massive asterisk attached to that win that I wouldn't have celebrated it. With that said maybe it would have convinced nascar to change the playoff format... maybe we WERE robbed...
I think if Mayer goes cup racing next year it would be a similar result to Harrison Burton at the wood brothers.
He’s a lot better than Burton.
Agreed. I think Mayer needs a couple more seasons in xfinity. He’s definitely a future cup driver though
@@jackshafto9123he’s running about the same in my opinion, burton’s 2021 was down because all of JGR’s xfinity team was down
Burton sucks Preece would be good if he had a top tier team
Id take Christian Eckes
Kevin Harvick comes out of retirement and goes to FrontRow! lol
Or Kevin harvicks buys a stake in front row motorsports and helps turn into a championship contender....
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.
Yeah, I think Zane is the odd man out at track house for next year. Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain are going to be in two charters for next year, they're not going anywhere. And assuming they get a third charter for next year, there's no way that SVG is going to be staying in Xfinity given his three wins and improvement on the ovals given his age, based on the hints that I've been getting in interviews. So Zane goes where? Does he get loaned out to Kaulig as they have a technical alliance with track house? The rumors that I've been hearing indicate that Daniel Hemrick is out, and AJ is going back in the 16. So who fills the other car? Kaulig wants drivers with sponsorship in that car. Eckes has also been linked to Kaulig, but brings no sponsorship, or very little. So I think between Eckes and Zane, one ends up at front row, and one ends up at Kaulig. Eckes either being in the Xfinity series or the cup series, depending on sponsorship.
I will also note that I think Daniel hemrick will probably be back in the Xfinity series for Kaulig. I will also note keep an eye on Daniel dye for Kaulig as well. He's looked significantly better in the truck series over the past few races, he's looked surprisingly good in the Kaulig car in limited starts, and he brings sponsorship, probably the only reason he got starts for the Xfinity series. I wouldn't be surprised if he was full-time in the Xfinity series Kaulig next year.
Imp, Eric should get the frm seat frfr
Welp I wish he could. He need track experience tho. They should put him in the truck series then cup
Nah, denny delivers already claimed it
Any track shorter than 1 miles (including New Hampshire) needs to have these duel option tire choice.
And completely eliminate the Slick and go with an ice Tire design (grooved having less contact patch )as the one Tire choice in dual compounds Goodyear and NASCAR sooner or later we'll figure it out? Keep it simple stupid!
Hi Eric Estepp I love your channel and I never miss a single episode
Thanks for the support!
@@EricEstepp your welcome 😊
@@EricEsteppHi Eric I’ve been watching since 2018 and also can you bring back some of the old segments please? Those were awesome
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.
Agree. 💰
I would love it if Herbst went to Front Row, I just don't want him to sign with 23XI!
@@ssjackson5400herbst at ain’t going to 23xi
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?
That's actually a great question
They don't have a race car driver in their ranks?
@@Farkle_8000 Probably not, but there are plenty of retired drivers who I'm willing to bet would love to test for them.
That's a great question
@@loonggoonedaddy Ditto.
I'd love to see Zane Smith get this ride.
YES, & the support of the Team he goes with
Love your channel Eric! Keep up the great work and cool content coming.
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
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
Like your channel. Zane smith needs better equipment and people around him. He has lots of talent. He will rise.
TRUE
Me personally I would call Christian Eches
Ryan Newman deserves one final send off.
I'd put undoubtedly Zane. But Noah in 36. Zane in 34, so he can be reunioned with Love's travel centers.
It would be a young & Talented Team that could work together
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....
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
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.
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.
Excited for the option tyres- whoops TIRES (ive been watching too much F1😂
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
Again, Todd has an average finish of 13.3 in the last 8 races, including 2 top 10s.
@@CJODell12he would've had a top ten and maybe a top five at new hampshire
hasn't had a bad finish since dover. 17th or better since after Dover.
I want Smith to go back to FRM. He rocked the 38 loves truck. It be only fitting for him to rock the 34
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 like it! They have to do something and I think there's going to be some excitement!!
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.
I’ve been watching since 2018 Eric can you bring back some of the old segments? Those were awesome
I am excitedly optimistic about Richmond next month. I really hope these option tires work well for both NASCAR and the fan experience 🤞
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
Awesome comments from Jerry Freeze.
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.
Also Kaz has a chance due to his connection to the 36 if he isn’t satisfied with being Yeleyed
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
Hey Eric, I think I’m your newest subscriber and fellow Texan
I subbed earlier today btw
Welcome to the groovy gang
@@EricEstepp thx
You know the similarities between Heim and Eckes, they both drove for KBM
Former Kbm drivers have won 7/20 cup races this season and 5/18 xfinity, but who's counting.
I think Christopher Bell will win this weekend at Pocono and that's not a prediction it's a spoiler
Yessir!
Lol
Its gonna be rowdy. I think he will finally get that win for the year.
@@NCS2024-vvthank you
@@AlexE5250yes he will
More variables? How about an adjustable rear wing? Maybe anything adjustable would be nice!
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.
TrackHouse seems to be pushing SVG more than they are supporting Zane
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.
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
The way you said “ Parker Kligerman” made me feel a little defensive 😂
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?
We need someone always running in the back and Burton is already out, so I hope Smith gets it
Zane, Zane, Zane, Zane, Zane.
YES Zane Smith Championship Truck Series for Front Row
Trackhouse is purchasing a third charter from Stewart-Haas Racing.
2025 Trackhouse line-up:
1 Ross Chastain
91 Zane Smith
99 Daniel Suarez
#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
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.
Yea they need 3 compounds and be able to mix and match how ever they want.
I would go with Zane .
I guess gray areas are okay now? Jumping the start by a few feet is still jumping the start
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.
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.
So could we see hard tires on right and softs on the feft? Or maybe just a hard compound on RR.
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.
Eric Estepp and everyone who's your pick to win at Pocono this weekend?
I’m not Eric, But it’s gonna be Denny.
@@BraydenBunch58yay!!!
@@BraydenBunch58that's a great pick
@@Itsgamingtime11-co5kpthank you
Interesting
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?
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!
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 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.
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.
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.
Have to remember he is in car that was thrown together with a rookie crew chief also.
& Rookie pit crew & last of last in getting Zanes car set up
I would put norm benning in
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.
Are you gonna be at pocono this weekend?
I don’t think Sam or Christian are ready for a cup series, ride.
Sam may need more time, but Eckes would be interesting
is there a mandate to run both types of tyres at richmond? if so that could make things very interesting...
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
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
Zane Smith coming back to Front Row motorsports Will be pretty interesting
It will be a step up from Spires/TrackHouse
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
I hope Zane has a competitive cup ride next season.
he really has no reason to not be competitive this season if you ask me
@@luciferthree6 no way you're serious
@@luciferthree6 if you knew what has been going on behind the Scean you would think different
@@dennisboyd1712 i’ll admit I don’t care for chevy that much so I don’t really pay close attention to Spire but I was honestly just basing it on Hocevar’s performance compared to his. i’m curious to see what he does next season tho, definitely has the talent
@@luciferthree6 The 71 team is brand new this year, and considering Spire already struggled with 2 cars last year it makes sense that their 3rd car with a rookie driver is struggling really bad.
I dont think SHR's other 2 charters are spoken for yet, so whoever buys them that opens 2 other seats
I hope this is a slow thing where eventually every track gets an option Tire
The tires that don’t wear out. The ever lasting gobstoper of tires
Mmmmmm whataburger, just need one in Virginia!
Are u going to Indy this next week
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.
I predicted Ryan preece to go to front row when it was announced SHR was shutting down, but honestly now I think it’s gonna be herbst.
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.
Probably not a problem as SVG is TrackHouse's focuses
I’m thinking Zane Smith gets released or parts ways with Trackhouse/Spire to get the 3rd Front Row seat.
The press out of TrackHouse is SVG SVG SVG so Zane can see where they are going
hope they tested Rockingham with these tires
Since they can't do much with the car. I luv giving them options .
Zane Smith in the 34 would be great for him
TRUE
Sam is a checkers or wreckers type guy and I like that about him
I am very happy they went with softer tires. Also, I would like to know if any of the candidates for Front Row might have sponsor issues with the existing Front Row team sponsors.
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
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.
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.
FRM was looking to put Zane in Cup, But the Charter just didn't happen at that time. & NOW may be the Time
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.
Probably gonna be Sam
#1 person on Instagram said it’s gonna be Mayer
Eric have you heard any word on where Harrison Burton will be next year!!!! Will he have a ride?
I think it’s the right move to make for Richmond. Richmond hasn’t had a good race since like 2016.