Wurth 400 Race Recap and Insights

Date of Event: Sunday, May 4, 2025

Race Number: 12 out of 38 in the NASCAR Cup Series

Venue: Texas Motor Speedway, a 1.5-mile oval track

Total Race Length: 271 laps, lasting 3 hours, 28 minutes, and 40 seconds

FRM Team Finish Summary:

● Todd Gilliland (Started from 32nd position, Finished 11th / Running, finished all 271 laps)

● Zane Smith (Started from 13th position, Finished 17th / Running, finished all 271 laps)

● Noah Gragson (Started from 18th position, Finished 34th / DNF, finished 172 of 271 laps)

FRM Driver Points Standings After the Race:

Zane Smith (26th)
Todd Gilliland (27th)
Noah Gragson (31st)

Key Highlights from Todd Gilliland’s Performance

Stage One Finish: 31st / Stage Two Finish: 18th / Final Race Position: 11th

In his 4th look at Texas Motor Speedway, Todd Gilliland certified in the 32nd position, showcasing his decision. Throughout the race, he dealt with difficulties with the handling of the No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, especially requiring more rear stability to boost his track position. During a care duration for the No. 21 vehicle, Gilliland made a tactical choice to avoid, permitting him to lead the field throughout the reboot. However, he rapidly hung back into the top-20, ending up Stage Two in 18th location. In the latter phases of the race, he combated tough to browse through the field, eventually ending up in 11th location.

“It was a challenging day for the No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford team,” revealed Gilliland. “We dealt with balance issues throughout the weekend, but our decision to stay out during that caution cycle proved beneficial, providing the track position necessary for a solid run. We’re gaining momentum, and I’m looking forward to our upcoming race in Kansas.”

Insights from Zane Smith’s Race Experience

Stage One Finish: 26th / Stage Two Finish: 31st / Final Race Position: 17th

Zane Smith certified in the 13th position for the NASCAR Cup Series occasion at Texas Motor Speedway. Throughout the race, he competed with tight handling conditions, which impacted his efficiency. On lap 127, the No. 38 group came across a pit roadway charge due to devices leaving package, requiring him to reboot at the back of the pack. Despite the problem, he masterfully steered through the field, and after making a two-tire rest stop, he rebooted in 8th location with simply 44 laps staying. He handled to keep his position, ending up the race in 17th.

“It was a tough day all around,” shown Smith. “Our Speedy Cash team put in a tremendous effort to make necessary adjustments during the race, yet we couldn’t quite find the right rhythm. I have a strong affinity for Kansas, and I’m eager to head to a track where we can potentially achieve a solid turnaround.”

Key Takeaways from Noah Gragson’s Race Journey

Stage One Finish: 28th / Stage Two Finish: 13th / Final Race Position: 34th

Starting from 18th in the NASCAR Cup Series occasion at Texas Motor Speedway, Noah Gragson dealt with an early difficulty when he drew out in Turn 2 on lap 20 while trying to surpass the No. 99 vehicle. The No. 4 pit team made changes to totally free Gragson up, permitting him to eliminate his method back through the field. By lap 172, he had actually climbed up back up to 12th location when he was struck in the best back by the No. 23 lorry. This effect triggered the No. 4 vehicle to spin, resulting in a tough crash with the wall on the left side, and at the same time being struck by the No. 16 on the best front. This occurrence seriously harmed the front steering of the vehicle, eventually ending Gragson’s race.

“We didn’t qualify as well as we hoped, which placed us mid-pack,” Gragson described. “I was pushing hard to make passes on a track where overtaking is difficult. Although I spun, I managed to avoid hitting anything initially. We kept fighting and had a competitive car. I did my part, and the pit crew executed their duties effectively. We made progress throughout the day and were in contention—exactly where we felt we should be—until we got caught up in another driver’s crash.”

Official PR from FRM