Zane Smith will not appeal the $50,000 fine issued by NASCAR following his post-race incident with Carson Hocevar at Phoenix Raceway. The Front Row Motorsports driver allowed the appeal deadline to pass without challenging the penalty, according to FOX Sports' Bob Pockrass, bringing an end to the disciplinary process surrounding the October 18 confrontation.

The incident occurred following the Freeway Insurance 500 when Smith deliberately drove his No. 38 Ford into the rear of Hocevar's No. 77 Chevrolet during the cooldown lap. Smith was frustrated by contact late in the race, although the initial incident was triggered when Ross Chastain struck Hocevar from behind, sending him into Smith and Josh Berry. Despite being informed of the circumstances over his team radio, Smith retaliated after the checkered flag.

NASCAR announced the $50,000 behavioral penalty on October 20, citing Sections 4.4a and 10.5.2.5a of the NASCAR Rule Book. The sanctioning body did not issue a points deduction or suspension. Neither Smith nor Front Row Motorsports has publicly explained the decision against filing an appeal, meaning the financial penalty will stand.

The confrontation adds another chapter to the ongoing tension between the former teammates, who previously competed together at Spire Motorsports. Hocevar has described their rivalry as one-sided, while Smith has publicly expressed his dislike for the driver. Although the appeal process has concluded, it remains unclear whether the two competitors will resolve their differences as the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season approaches its conclusion.