Zane Smith has lost his seat at Trackhouse Racing to Shane van Gisbergen, leaving him without a ride for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. Denny Hamlin expressed disappointment over this decision during his podcast, noting that Smith, who has shown improvement in recent races, was put in a difficult position after forgoing other opportunities for Trackhouse. Despite a challenging start to the season, Smith has recently demonstrated better performance, including a runner-up finish at Nashville. Hamlin believes Smith still possesses significant talent and potential for future success in the Cup Series. The decision to replace Smith with van Gisbergen aims to enhance Trackhouse's chances in the playoffs, particularly on road courses. As the competitive landscape of NASCAR evolves, Smith's future remains uncertain but hopeful, with Hamlin advocating for his capabilities.