Sammy Smith – the defending champion of the ARCA Menards Series East — will compete in eight NASCAR Xfinity Series events for Joe Gibbs Racing this season, piloting the No. 18 Toyota GR Supra.
Smith, who currently leads the ARCA East Series points in his search for a second title, will make his series debut at Road America (July 2), with sponsorship from Allstate Peterbilt Group.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to run the No. 18 Toyota GR Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing,” Smith said. “Making the jump to this level is huge for me and my career, and I’m thankful for all of my partners and supporters that have helped me get here.”
The 18-year-old will also compete in events at Pocono (July 23), Michigan (August 6), Watkins Glen (August 20), Kansas (September 10), Bristol (September 16), Martinsville (October 29), and Phoenix (November 5).
Pilot Flying J and Allstate Peterbilt Group will serve as the primary sponsors of the eight-race schedule, while TMC, Renda Group, and Sinclair Tractor will also play a role in supporting Smith’s eight-race schedule.
“Sammy has impressed at every level of his racing career,” said Steve DeSouza, Executive Vice President/Xfinity Series for Joe Gibbs Racing. “We believe Sammy will continue to excel and look forward to supporting him as he expands his 2022 schedule to include eight races in the Xfinity Series with the Joe Gibbs Racing No.18 team led by crew chief Jason Ratcliff.”
The Johnston, Iowa-native has competed in four ARCA Menards Series events over the last two seasons, scoring three top-five results and a pole position. Smith is scheduled to compete in the remaining ARCA Menards Series events for Kyle Busch Motorsports.
