Zane Smith fined $50,000 by NASCAR for Phoenix post-race incident

NASCAR has issued a $50,000 fine to Zane Smith following his actions during the cooldown lap of the Freeway Insurance 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Smith, driving the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford, accelerated into the rear of Carson Hocevar’s No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet after the checkered flag.

The incident was a retaliatory act following on-track contact between the two drivers during the race. NASCAR officials stated that Smith violated specific sections of the rule book regarding behavioral actions and safety. While Smith received no points penalty, the fine follows previous warnings issued to him regarding his conduct.

Cup Series veteran Michael McDowell commented on the disciplinary action, noting a distinction between minor contact and Smith’s high-speed impact. McDowell pointed out that while other drivers have engaged in low-speed contact during cooldown laps without penalty, Smith’s actions involved smashing into another vehicle at significant speed.