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Sammy Smith, a Toyota Racing Development driver from Johnston, Iowa, is an emerging NASCAR driver, who competes full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the #18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing.
After the 2023 Xfinity season, Smith will move from JGR to JR Motorsports next season to drive the #8 Chevrolet Camaro in the Series. He also competes part-time in the Truck Series, driving the #17 Toyota Tundra for TRICON Garage.
In this article, we explore more about Sammy Smith and his young NASCAR career.
Smith was born on Jun. 4, 2004, in Johnston, lowa. Smith showed a passion for motorsports from a very young age of eight. He competed in go-karts, Legends Cars, Late Models and Super Late Models, winning ‘crown-jewel’ events like the Winchester 400, Redbud 400 and Governor’s Cup.
The 19-year-old turned his attention to Late Model racing in 2019 and found success in Pro and Super Late Model races.
He also competed in the ARCA Menards Series, winning consecutive ARCA Menards Series East championships in 2021 and 2022. He also tried his hand in the CARS Tour, where he competed for car owners Barry Nelson, Marcus Richmond, Donnie Wilson and Kyle Busch Motorsports.
Sammy Smith’s performance in NASCAR Xfinity Series
Sammy Smith made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with JGR last year at Road America, where he finished in 24th place.
In nine starts, he earned three top-10 finishes and one pole as a part-time driver in his debut season. His best result of P3 of the year came at the Watkins Glen International.
The young promising talent moved to the NASCAR Xfinity Series on a full-time basis in 2023, driving the #18 Toyota GR Supra. He scored his first series victory at Phoenix Raceway on Mar. 11, becoming the youngest winner in series history at the Phoenix.
Smith also earned 12 top-10 finishes, five top-5s in the first 28 races of the season. He sits 18 points above the elimination line with one race remaining in the Round of 12.
The two-time ARCA East champion also made his Truck debut this year with TRICON Garage during the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway, where he finished 14th.
