JR Motorsports selects Sammy Smith for the No. 8 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series
Sammy Smith is a two-time ARCA Menards Series East champion. He currently races full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Joe Gibbs Racing.
In 2024, Smith is heading to JR Motorsports. He’ll drive the No. 8 car with sponsorship from Pilot Flying J, TMC Transportation and the Allstate Peterbilt Group.
Josh Berry is the current driver of the No. 8 car. Beginning in 2024, Berry is heading to the Cup Series with Stewart-Haas Racing.
The 19-year-old joins Justin Allgaier, Brandon Jones and Sam Mayer as the JRM drivers for the 2024 season.
Smith’s racing career began at the age of 8. He’s climbed the ladder from go-karts, Legend Cars, Late Models and Super Late Models before making his ARCA debut in 2021.
Dale Earnhardt Jr comments
“Sammy is a great fit for our program and will mesh well with our other drivers,” said JRM team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. “He’s a young, talented racer who’s willing to learn and carries himself with a lot of professionalism. He has a bright future ahead. I’m excited for our team to help him continue his journey.”
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Kelley Earnhardt Miller comments
“It’s special to welcome Pilot Flying J, TMC Transportation and Allstate Peterbilt Group back into the JRM family,” said JRM CEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller. “They were part of our Xfinity program for five years and were instrumental in helping us become a four-car operation in 2017. This reunion shows a lot of promise with a talent like Sammy at the wheel. We can’t wait to go to work with them.”
Sammy Smith comments
“I am very appreciative for the support of Pilot Flying J, TMC Transportation and all my partners that helped make this happen,” said Smith, a native of Johnston, Iowa. “The opportunity to race for JR Motorsports is one I am looking forward to and cannot wait to see what we all accomplish together.”
Smith has run 37 Xfinity Series races. He’s collected 15 top-10s, 5 top-5s and picked up a win earlier this season at Phoenix Raceway.
