Watch: Michael McDowell and Zane Smith caught on camera having an animated confrontation at Watkins Glen

However, with three laps to go, Tyler Reddick and two other drivers had a massive crash causing a late-race caution after William Byron’s crash. This caused another overtime restart which gave the SM driver a chance to get inside the top five.

Moreover, Smith utilized the chance that he was presented with as he got inside the top five but had to fend off the FRM of McDowell. With determination in both driver’s eyes to retain their position, they indulged in a series of attacks where Smith emerged victorious. This did not go well with the senior driver, as he was later spotted having a heated confrontation with the No.71 driver regarding their close contact racing.

Zane Smith’s wife congratulates his husband on his second top five finish of the season

Smith is currently in his full-time rookie season in the Cup Series. Moreover, he currently wants to impress teams and make a statement among the NASCAR garages that he is here to stay and has shown glimpses of stellar performances like in Nashville, where he scored a podium amidst all odds.

On the other hand, his fifth-place finish in Watkins Glen had come after a tremendous effort from his side as his wife McCall Smith explained.

P5!!! Great weekend for Zane and his 71 team. Overcame a speeding penalty, didn’t give up and drove up through the field. So proud. McCall Smith wrote on X

The 23-year-old expressed her joy on X(formerly Twitter) and claimed that the SM driver had overcome major challenges in the build-up to his result. She further stated that she was proud of her husband’s effort and looked forward to more moments of happiness in the subsequent races.