PITTSFORD, N.Y. (WENY) - NASCAR and the Buffalo Bills may not seem like a natural pairing, but this afternoon, the two worlds collided in a unique way. Zane Smith, a NASCAR Cup Series driver, made a special appearance at Bills' training camp, bringing together the high-speed world of motorsports and the hard-hitting action of football.

During his visit, Smith traded his fire suit with Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins, who gifted him a game-worn jersey in return. 

Smith, a native of Huntington Beach, California, shared that his love for the Bills stems from his admiration for quarterback Josh Allen, who also hails from the Golden State. Over the past few years, Smith has become a dedicated Bills fan, appreciating the team's energy and the passion of their supporters.

"Even if you do have another team, I feel like everyone still pulls for the Bills deep down," Smith said. "They're my team, and yeah, it's awesome. I've been, I guess, a big fan of them for the past four years or so."

Smith also reflected on the differences between NASCAR and football, particularly when it comes to the fan experience. In NASCAR, drivers are constantly on the road, with no true "home games," which creates a unique dynamic with fans. However, Smith noted the electric energy of Bills fans, especially when they show up at Watkins Glen International. 

"We have 38 weeks, never a home game, and so it's a lot of traveling around, and it's just a new energy each fan base brings," Smith explained. "I will say when I experienced the Watkins Glen fan base, it was pretty electric, and I'm thankful for that."

Dawn Burlew, WGI Track President, was also present at the event and emphasized the importance of moments like these in fostering connections across different sports. She highlighted how Smith's visit allowed him to engage with Bills players, youth participants at the Bills' youth football camp, and even the Heart Association.

"Being able to have Zane here to meet some of the team members and talk to a lot of the youth and the Bills youth football camp, be a part of that today, and be part of the Heart Association—you know, that's what it's all about: building these connections and collaboration with sports," Burlew said.

As the Buffalo Bills prepare to kick off their season in a couple of weeks against the New York Giants, Zane Smith and the NASCAR crew are gearing up for Watkins Glen. Race weekend kicks off Friday with the ARCA Mendards Series beginning at 2:00 P.M., with the Truck Series following at 5:00 P.M.

Sunday's Cup Series race will start at 2:00 P.M.